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Blackpool Tower celebrates 125th anniversary

14 May 2019

The Tower still attracts thousands of visitors

Blackpool Tower is hosting a day of events to celebrate its 125th birthday.

Staff are dressing in traditional Victorian outfits worn when the Eiffel Tower-inspired landmark opened in 1894.

The Tower Ballroom's resident organist for more than 40 years, Phil Kelsall MBE, will play Happy Birthday at a special afternoon tea.

The Tower Circus will give a preview of this year's show, while BBC Radio 1's Danny Howard headlines this evening's Sky High Celebrations in the Tower Eye.

Blackpool Tower opened its door to the public 125 years ago

Blackpool Council Blackpool Tower — Blackpool Tower opened its door to the public 125 years ago

Thousands lined the street of Blackpool's promenade to view the first stone being laid on 29 September 1891

Backpool Council Heritage Services Crowds watching foundations being laid — Thousands lined the street of Blackpool's promenade to view the first stone being laid on 29 September 1891

It was originally only going to be 450ft (137m) high but ended up 518ft (157m)

Albert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services Construction of Blackpool Tower — It was originally only going to be 450ft (137m) high but ended up 518ft (157m)

It took three years to construct and cost almost £300,000 ($388,500) to build - the equivalent of more than £40m today

Albert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services Blackpool Tower — It took three years to construct and cost almost £300,000 ($388,500) to build - the equivalent of more than £40m today

Attractions within the structure used to include an aviary, aquarium and menagerie

Albert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services The Tower entrance — Attractions within the structure used to include an aviary, aquarium and menagerie

Blackpool Tower - captured in 1920 - was inspired by the Eiffel Tower

Historic England Archive Blackpool Tower — Blackpool Tower - captured in 1920 - was inspired by the Eiffel Tower

The Blackpool Tower has never missed a circus season in its 125 years even during World War One and World War Two

Blackpool Coucil Heritage Services Blackpool Tower programmes through the ages — The Blackpool Tower has never missed a circus season in its 125 years even during World War One and World War Two

The structure houses the famous Tower Ballroom as well Tower Circus and Tower Dungeon

Blackpool Council Tower Ballroom — The structure houses the famous Tower Ballroom as well Tower Circus and Tower Dungeon

The ballroom has hosted nine BBC One Strictly Come Dancing special shows, with celebrities such as Stacey Dooley, Alexandra Burke and Ed Balls gracing the dance floor

BBC Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton performing the Salsa to 'Ooh Ahh (Just A Little Bit)' by Gina G during the Live Show in Blackpool — The ballroom has hosted nine BBC One Strictly Come Dancing special shows, with celebrities such as Stacey Dooley, Alexandra Burke and Ed Balls gracing the dance floor

Phil Kelsall MBE has been the resident organist for more than 40 years

BBC Blackpool Tower ballroom organist Phil Kelsall — Phil Kelsall MBE has been the resident organist for more than 40 years

The glass skywalk found at the top of the Blackpool Tower Eye can hold the weight of two elephants

Blackpool Council Top of Blackpool Tower — The glass skywalk found at the top of the Blackpool Tower Eye can hold the weight of two elephants

Kenny Mew, general manager, said it was an "incredible honour" to manage the tower in such a landmark year

Blackpool Council Blackpool promenade and Blackpool Tower — Kenny Mew, general manager, said it was an "incredible honour" to manage the tower in such a landmark year

All pictures copyrighted.