Buildings of Distinction - The Blackpool Tower

Jan, 23 2024

On the 14th May this year a landmark tourist attraction in Lancashire, England will be celebrating 130 years of bringing entertainment to the North West.

The Blackpool Tower was first opened to the public in 1894. It was initially inspired by it’s foreign twin the Eiffel Tower in Paris. At the time of it’s construction it became the tallest man made structure in the British Empire. Standing at a mega 518 feet (158 metres) tall, it has since been established as the 125th tallest freestanding tower in the world.

Throughout it’s longevity is has been home to the Tower Buildings, an entertainment complex in a red-brick three-storey block that comprises the tower, Tower Circus, the Tower Ballroom, and roof gardens, which was designated a Grade I listed building in 1973.

Four years later, the top of the tower was painted silver in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. Royalty crossed paths again in 1992 when the tower complex was renamed Tower World, opened by Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Tower Ballroom has experienced something of a renaissance period since early 21st century having featured annually on Strictly Come Dancing. 

Locals were initially concerned when the building appeared to show flames towards the closure of last year. However it was just a false alarm when Lancashire Fire & Rescue were called out only to find the ‘flames’ were in fact orange netting that was blowing in the wind!

The Blackpool Tower in 2024 remains one of the most iconic buildings in the North West of England. It has battled with the elements and since it’s Strictly appearances it has allowed it to become a  pivotal part of the history and credibility that make it so special in the 21st century.

 For further information about the tower simply visit the following website link -

https://www.theblackpooltower.com/

Please note – The Blackpool Tower Eye is closed till March 2024. The Ballroom is open on selected dates. The circus returns on 10th February.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger