Reviewed by Jan Mellor
One day a year the majestic Winter Gardens in Blackpool opens its doors to the public – it’s “Access All Areas” day – allowing them a free opportunity to get a behind the scenes insight into the amazing rooms and halls of this stunning entertainment complex. The activity is in its 5th year and annually the interest has resulted in some 1500 people spending several hours each January marvelling this amazing spectacle of architecture standing proud in the very centre of the popular seaside town of Blackpool.
The Winter Gardens were built originally in the 19th century with the grand opening on 11/7/1878 being attended by the Lord Mayors of 68 towns from across the country. The Gardens have maintained their popularity through the centuries with thousands of people flocking to see The Pavilion Theatre, the Opera House, The Empress Ballroom, and the Exhibition Hall each year. The complex was originally a Palm House, a Grand Promenade (now known as The Horseshoe due to the fact that it wrapped around the building) and a skating rink but through the years the complex has developed into the home of many types of entertainment including a funfair, a fernery, a billiard room and grand banqueting halls (stunningly designed in plates to resemble Spain, a castle and the Italian renaissance period). The architecture of the building designed by British Film designer Mezzei is absolutely stunning and it is very exciting to see that the Blackpool council are currently undergoing a million-pound refurbishment to bring the rooms back to their stunning 1930’s Art Décor original condition.
For the open day each room had a board explaining the decor of the room, it’s history and all interesting facts about the room/theatre/hall. The Opera House was exceptionally nostalgic as the visitors walked around the stage, dressing rooms and backstage (to the sound of an original 1953 sound recording of Frank Sinatra when he appeared at the theatre) as they considered the many stars (Judy Garland, Vera Lynn, Bob Hope, Nat King Cole, Cilla Black, the Beatles and many more) who had graced this stage. The Mezzei Café, took the customers back to the grand days of entertainment with the exceptional resident pianist Brant Nuttall playing great musical songs from these grand eras.
The place is absolutely spectacular, and its quiet understated facade hides an amazing work of art within. The day was exciting, varied and interesting and is a fantastic way to see the place in it’s true glory. I would recommend that people see these stunning Winter Gardens as soon as they can and if not make a note to visit them next January for a very remarkable and insightful day.
It is a great opportunity to visit all areas of the Winter Gardens, to read the interesting history of each room, see how the Gardens have evolved/been wonderfully restored over the last centuries and to access all this with no cost or restrictions. Having the ‘Access All Areas’ day gives the general public, the chance to see parts of the complex they would never see and to get right ‘under the skin’ of this historical building. The day was popular and is an obvious attraction that maintains the interest of people of all ages and backgrounds. It was very well organised and the staff all showed how passionate they were for this fascinating building. I enjoyed the day thoroughly and am sure any visitor will do too.
A very, very interesting day and a great insight into the spectacular Winter Gardens!
Rating: 5/5
For events and shows at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk.
Winter Gardens & Opera House, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HL | 0844 856 1111
