Joyland Books

The Tower Circus
Every year millions of holidaymakers flock to Blackpool to enjoy themselves and for many of them their stay isn't complete without at least one trip to our unforgettable and very beautiful circus.

Blackpool Tower Circus has often been described as 'the word's most beautiful circus building' and when you visit you'll see that this is very true.

From its spartan beginnings its become an outstanding circus auditorium. The boroche, gilded imitation Moorish decor (originally designed by the famous Victorian arcitect Frank Matcham), the steeply-banking red velvet seating (for 1,200), views unhampered by pillars or poles and the colourful running lights all combine to give an intimate, warm friendly atmosphere.

All this and the famous sinking ring which has been meticulously maintained and provides a fabulous water finale for every show make Blackpool Tower Circus every circus fan's fantasy.

Tom explains how the circus fills up with water for the grand finale.

We’ve got 42,000 gallons of water under there and we’ve got a water hydraulic system, which means that in the centre we’ve got a really big centre ramp that works off water hydraulics so what happens is we go and switch on a pump on in the back room there, and we lift the ring, we have another set of hydraulic rounds that turn it, and then we just drop the ring into the pool of water.