Blackpool Tower by Kenny Tighe

Blackpool Tower was first opened on the 14th May 1894. It was inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. It stands 158metres (518ft 9inches) tall and it can be seen on a clear day from a 30 mile radius. This magnificent construction is of course classed as a Grade 1 listed building. The original cost of construction was £290,000 which back in the 1800s was a King's ransom!

There are in total 5million bricks, 2500 tonnes of iron and 93 tonnes of cast steel. The iron and steel within the tower itself have been constructed in such a way so that if it was to fall down, it would fall into the sea. As you would imagine maintenance of such a colossal building is a year round job. When the Tower was first built it was left unpainted for many years and naturally, with the sea air and strong winds it began to corrode. As a result parts of the tower had to be replaced. Painting the Tower from top to bottom takes years to complete, men known as Stick Men are responsible for this. It is a very challenging and somewhat dangerous job, could you imagine yourself 500ft up in a gale force wind with a paint brush in your hand?!!! They were actually featured in a BBC programme Britain's Toughest Jobs.
Within the Tower building is the world famous and very beautiful Tower Ballroom. The original Ballroom was opened in 1894. Its ceiling and surroundings feature classical and ornate art work. From 1930 until his retirement in 1970 Reginald Dixon known as Mr. Blackpool was the resident organist. He was to be seen rising up from beneath the stage playing his Mighty Whiritzer organ. People came from far and wide to listen and to dance in these magnificent surroundings. The BBC broadcast the very popular series "Come Dancing" from the Ballroom. Even though Mr. Dixon is no longer there, there is still dancing today on a daily basis.

The Tower Circus is positioned between the Towers four legs. It features daily performances from acrobats to clowns in its fabulous show. The Circus ring can be lowered to a depth of 4ft 6inches as a pool of water holding 42,000 gallons fills it up. This spectacle features in the Circuses Grand Finales with stunning Dancing Fountains. Charlie Cairoli one of the greatest clowns the world has ever seen appeared at the Tower Circus for 39 years. There is now a permanent exhibition showing the life of Charlie Cairoli within the Tower. Britain's best known Ringmaster Norman Barret also starred in the Circus ring for over 25 years. Today the Circus is lead by the very funny and talented Mooky the clown.

The oldest part of the Tower building is actually the Aquarium. It was originally part of "Dr Cockers Menagerie and Aquarium" in the 1870s. It was kept open to earn revenue whilst the Tower was built up around it. Today it homes 57 different species of fresh and sea water fish. The largest tank holds 32,000 litres of water.
On your next trip to Blackpool why not take time to visit the Tower? Take in the Circus, let the children explore Jungle Jims play area and take the lift to the top of the Tower and walk the "Walk of Death" if you dare? You won't be disappointed.
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