B
is for Blackpool Tower
Blackpool
Tower is a tourist attraction in the popular seaside resort of Blackpool,
Lancashire in England. It opened to the
public on 14 May 1894. The inspiration for
the Tower came from Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The tower rises to 518 feet 9 inches (158.12 metres) and is a Grade I
listed building.
The
tower is used as an observational radio tower.
In
1940, during the Second World War the crow's-nest was removed to allow the
structure to be used as a Royal Air Force radio station known as RAF Tower,
which proved unsuccessful.
The
Tower Circus is situated at the base of the tower between its four legs and
hasn't missed a season since it opened in May 1894.
Blackpool is also famous for The Lights or The Illuminations, 6 miles
(10km) in length they run each year for sixty-six days from late August until
early November. They have been dubbed as
"the greatest free light show on earth" and use over one million
bulbs. The display is usually switched on by a celebrity.
Dating
back to 1894, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is world famous for its unique
sprung dance floor and spectacular architecture and remains to this day a
destination for dance fans from across the globe. It hosts afternoon tea dances
which you can enjoy listening to the famous Wurlitzer organ being played and is
also home to famous ballroom contests including the popular TV series of
Strictly Come Dancing.
High tea at
the Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Sandwiches,
cake and cream scones to be consumed
A waltz on
the unique sprung floor
We wait for
the applause before we take an encore
An afternoon
of pleasure
Precious time
to treasure
Memories of a
seaside town
Climb the
tower and don't look down
The grand
illuminations at night
Such a very
pretty sight
Strolling
along the promenade we amble
Taking in the
lights, gaudy or tasteful
It is only a
matter of opinion
For 66 nights
until they are done.
I had never heard of this tower, and I like the fact it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. During the war, The Eiffel was also used for communications, until the occupation, when for some reason, the lift on the Eiffel wouldn't work properly. . .
ReplyDeleteBecause many of the Sepia Saturday participants are from England, I've seen lots of photos of Blackpool. I don't think anyone mentioned the dance floor though.
ReplyDeleteThe tower looks so beautiful and majestic in the distance.Sally. and your poem is lovely as usual.
ReplyDeleteThe Blackpool Tower was new to me as well and a delightful discovery. As I don't live in England, I content myself with the internet and hope for another visit. What neat images of dancing at Blackpool.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very romantic place! New inspiration for a writer!
ReplyDeleteLove this theme! I can learn all about the UK this month :)
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of The Blackpool Tower. Great theme choice! Your poem was lovely, it made me want to dance there!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to dance in the Tower Ballroom. Awesome post Sally.
ReplyDelete.......dhole