10 fascinating facts about Blackpool Tower, Tower Circus and Tower Ballroom which you might not know about
By Claire Lark
Published 17th May 2023, 12:26 BST
Updated 17th May 2023, 12:35 BST
Our beautiful Blackpool Tower is 129-years-old this week.
And so is its famous circus. But there are things about Blackpool’s jewel in the crown which you might not realise – could it actually succumb to high winds? How thick really is that walk-of-faith glass? And how long does it take to paint it? Read on and find out...
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The much-loved Blackpool Circus as it re-opened after the pandemic. Until then it had never missed a season since its opening on May 14th 1894 Photo: Charlotte Graham
Blackpool Tower Ballroom opened in 1899 was designed by the Victorian architect Frank Matcham and it really is a tremendous sight. It measures 120 by 102 feet and was originally made with more than 30,600 separate planks of oak, mahogany and walnut wood Photo: Daniel Martino
Rather than fight against weather conditions, the most advanced modern buildings will try to move with the elements. But Blackpool Tower was miles ahead of its time. In heavy winds, which are common in our part of the world, Blackpool Tower will gently sway along with them Photo: Dawn Castle