| A Visit to Blackpool Tower, Autumn 1977 |
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1977 during the Illuminations and we
have a night in Blackpool Tower. Gillian is 8 months old and in her pushchair. The top
floor (left) has been turned into an exotic garden. Flamingoes are wandering about in one
bit. There is running water and bridges and lots of plants.
The luxurious ballroom looks much the same as it always did. However, part of the dance floor
has been covered up to make way for some tables and chairs so that the bar might do more business.
There is no dancing as yet on Sunday nights and instead there is a concert on the
Wurlitzer organ (which "plays" the piano to the right when required). |
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There is no dancing as yet on Sunday nights and instead
there is a concert on the Wurlitzer organ (which "plays" the piano to the right when required).
After The Dambusters March has made everyone duck with the very loud effects of aero
engines coming from the roof, the organist sinks down the trapdoor in the stage and the show
carries on with a set from Eric Delaney, the drummer with the music of the Big Band era. |
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The visit includes a trip to the top of the Tower. Standing 400 and something
feet above the illuminated Promenade is quite an experience.
These photographs show the Tower itself, this particular part of it normally being seen
from a long way down!
The habit of playing a powerful searchlight along the Promenade from the top of the Tower
died out in the 1970s, to the relief of the courting couples on the beach... |
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The entire town was highly decorated for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and
the Tower was no exception, flying strings of bunting from top to bottom and with the Tower top
painted silver for the occasion. |
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