JOIN USOn September 1, the observation platform at the top of the tower will reopen as the Blackpool Tower Eye, which will include an extended viewing area with a glass floor and a cinema showing a bird’s-eye view of Blackpool through the seasons.
The tower’s refurbishment is part of a partnership with Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainment, who operate Madame Tussaud’s in London and Blackpool.
Inspired by Eiffel tower
Blackpool Tower, first opened in 1894, was inspired by the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris; it is 158 metres [510 feet] tall. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, its base is hidden by a building, which houses a newly renovated ornate ballroom.
There is also a circus space in the building and a play area for young children. A Blackpool Tower Dungeon will open in September with live actors, a ride, shows and gruesome special effects.
The annual illuminations take place along 9.6 kilometres (six miles) of the town’s seaside promenade. They are often billed as “the greatest free show on earth”. One million lamps of various types and styles are used in the display, involving over 320 kilometres (200 miles) of cable and wiring.
Electric street lighting
Blackpool was the first town to have electric street lighting, and visitors first came to marvel at the lights in 1879 when just eight arc lamps lit the promenade.
Blackpool illuminations will light up every night from September 2 to November 6 this year.
Visitors will pay to visit the Tower Eye and the different attractions in the building.