Few landmarks capture the spirit of the British seaside quite like Blackpool Tower. Rising above the Promenade since 1894, it has welcomed generations of visitors with its unmistakable silhouette and old-world charm. But beyond the photo opportunities, the tower holds a rich history—one filled with innovation, entertainment, and a dash of theatrical magic.
Blackpool Tower was the bold vision of John Bickerstaffe, a former Mayor of Blackpool who believed the town needed a showstopper to match the glamour of Europe’s great cities. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, architects James Maxwell and Charles Tuke created a stunning iron lattice structure that would forever shape Blackpool’s identity.
When it opened on 14 May 1894, visitors were dazzled not just by the tower itself, but by the extraordinary attractions inside: a menagerie, elegant roof gardens, the world-famous Tower Circus, and of course, the resplendent Tower Ballroom. Even after a devastating fire in the original ballroom, the space was rebuilt in 1899 with even greater extravagance—a place where artistry, craftsmanship, and joy converged on a polished dance floor.
No visit to the Tower Ballroom is complete without hearing the swell of the Wurlitzer organ, an instrument that has become as iconic as the tower above it. Installed in 1935, the Wurlitzer transformed ballroom music with its rich orchestral sound, powered by an extraordinary system of pipes, percussion, and effects hidden behind the scenes.
Its most celebrated guardian was Reginald Dixon, affectionately known as “Mr Blackpool.” From 1930 to 1970, Dixon’s performances drew crowds from across the country, his lively playing setting the tone for countless dances and tea afternoons. His signature tune—“I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside”—still brings a smile to those who hear it echo through the ballroom today.
The Wurlitzer is lovingly maintained and remains a living part of the tower’s heritage, continuing a musical tradition that has charmed visitors for nearly a century.
Look up as you enter the ballroom and you’ll spot a poetic inscription carved above the proscenium arch:
“Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear.”
Taken from a poem by William Shakespeare, the line feels perfectly at home in this gilded setting. It’s a promise—an invitation to let the music, movement, and atmosphere enchant you. Added during the ballroom’s redesign in the late 19th century, the quote has watched over generations of dancers and musicians, a timeless reminder of the beauty of performance.
Today, Blackpool Tower remains one of the UK’s most treasured attractions, blending heritage with the excitement of live entertainment. It is with this knowledge that the tower ballroom hosts tomorrow's live episode of 'Strictly' (the BBC ballroom dancing show) which sets out to be one of the UK's entertainment highlights of the year!
