BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC
12 November 2014
by Visit Blackpool
THE WORLD FAMOUS VENUE WILL OPEN ITS DOORS, FREE OF CHARGE, TO AN ACCESS ALL AREAS OPEN DAY FOR THE PUBLIC THIS DECEMBER
SHOWCASING THE RARE WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN PLUS EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE ACCESS
THE OPEN DAY WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY 14th DECEMBER 2014
Following the success of the 2013 event and a bumper 2014 which saw over 1 million people visit the historic venue, the world famous Winter Gardens will again throw open its doors to an exclusive access all areas event, allowing the public a rare chance to explore the grade 2* listed building free of charge on Sunday 14th December, 10am – 4pm.
This year will also see a free tea dance with music from the newly installed Wurlitzer taking place in the Empress Ballroom from 1pm until 3pm allowing a unique chance to dance in the home of the world’s most prestigious dance tournaments.
The public will get the chance to visit backstage of the Opera House and chance to tread the boards so many famous faces have previously walked on, visit the backstage dressing rooms, and get up-close to the historic Wurlitzer theatre organ. The grander of the Empress Ballroom will be free to explore whilst the often overlooked Spanish Suites will offer a unique insight into Blackpool’s largest entertainment venue. The open day will give the general public the chance to explore and learn of the extensive history the building beholds after more than a century.
In partnership with Blackpool Council and The Winter Gardens Trust, Blackpool Entertainment Centre is inviting visitors to come to the open day to share their memories of the Winter Gardens, a building which still boasts many of the original features from when it was built, due to the fantastic up-keep and preservation of each individual room.
Michael Williams, Managing Director of the Winter Gardens said: “The Winter Gardens is an amazing venue and we are delighted to be opening our doors again following the success of our 2013 event which welcomed over 3000 people
“The 2014 event will give the public a rare chance to exclusively tour the venue free of charge, learn about its history and discover rooms generally closed to the public including the backstage of the Opera House, newly refurbished Derham Lounge and grandeur of the Empress Ballroom as well as many of our other fantastic spaces.”
Hosting a range of events from business lunches, exhibitions and conferences, the Winter Garden is home to a number of separate spaces on two floors, from the grandeur of The Empress Ballroom and Opera House to the unique Spanish Hall suite, visitors are invited to fully immerse themselves in the history and architecture of each and every room, and even being invited to step backstage of the Opera House and emerge from the stage door!
Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “Having had the privilege of going behind the scenes at the historic Winter Gardens myself, I can say it’s an incredibly exciting and educational experience.
“To see the inner workings of a venue that has played host to some of the most famous shows and events in Blackpool’s history is a rare treat and I would urge people to seize the opportunity to learn more about the venue we all hold so dear.”
Blackpool’s Winter Gardens first opened to the public on 11 July 1878, with a lavish ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of London and Mayors and Mayoresses from 68 towns throughout the country. The Winter Gardens has entertained hordes of crowds in Blackpool in its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces. Since opening in 1878, the venue’s aspirations have continued to mirror the development of Blackpool as a friendly seaside resort and as the town grew in popularity throughout the century, the venue’s wide range of entertainment has developed with it.
Carl Carrington, from the Winter Gardens Trust comments “The Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for people to just wander through all the different spaces within the complex at will. Sometimes people don’t want to be hurried along and want to explore at their own pace, this event makes that possible and is a great way to get people interested in the history of the building and the restoration work.”
One of the UK’s biggest theatres, the Winter Gardens Opera House, has seen a cast of thousands tread its boards since it first opened in 1939. With a 3,000 seat capacity, the splendour of the venue oozes sophistication and character as it boasts unforgettable performances year after year.
Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope have all graced the Opera House stage, and more recently, the likes of Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Bob Dylan, Peter Kay and One Direction have performed to sell-out audiences here.
For more information about the open day, visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or call the Winter Gardens on 01253 625252.