Blackpool Tower celebrates 125th anniversary

Video caption, 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 大象传媒 Radio 1's Danny Howard headlines this evening's Sky High Celebrations in the Tower Eye.

Image source, Blackpool Council

Image caption, Blackpool Tower opened its door to the public 125 years ago

Image source, Backpool Council Heritage Services

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

Image source, Albert Eden漏Blackpool Council Heritage Services

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

Image source, Albert Eden漏Blackpool Council Heritage Services

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

Image source, Albert Eden漏Blackpool Council Heritage Services

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

Image source, Historic England Archive

Image caption, Blackpool Tower - captured in 1920 - was inspired by the Eiffel Tower

Image source, Blackpool Coucil Heritage Services

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

Image source, Blackpool Council

Image caption, The structure houses the famous Tower Ballroom as well Tower Circus and Tower Dungeon
Image caption, The ballroom has hosted nine 大象传媒 One Strictly Come Dancing special shows, with celebrities such as Stacey Dooley, Alexandra Burke and Ed Balls gracing the dance floor
Image caption, Phil Kelsall MBE has been the resident organist for more than 40 years

Image source, Blackpool Council

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

Image source, Blackpool Council

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

All pictures copyrighted.