Pleasureland Memories: New Book

[Nick]

The story of Southport’s famous amusement park, Pleasureland, is told for the first time in a new book to be released this Saturday: ‘Pleasureland Memories: A History of Southport’s Amusement Park’ by Stephen Copnall.

Pleasureland’s story began in the 1870s, when a ramshackle collection of shies, stalls and simple rides appeared on Southport’s Foreshore. Following two changes in location, the Pleasureland as it is known today opened in 1922, with famous rides such as the River Caves and Scenic Railway roller coaster. This book tells the full story of the park, from its early beginnings, through its temporary closure during two world wars, through to its revitalisation in recent years under the ownership of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The book is the latest in the ‘Amusement Park Memories’ series published by Skelter, and follows the successful publication of ‘Kursaal Memories: A History of Southend’s Amusement Park’ (ISBN 0-9544573-0-7) in 2003, which was an Essex bestseller.

The book features over 160 photographs, many of which have never before been published.

The book will be launched at Pleasureland itself on Saturday 20 August 2005 at a special event at the park’s Casablanca Entertainment Centre. The event will include an appearance by John K Walton, the author of many books on the British seaside, who will give a short talk on the history of Pleasureland. There will also be a chance to buy copies of the book and have them signed by the author. The event starts at 2pm and is free of charge. All are welcome.

You can buy the book online from here: http://www.joylandbooks.com/books_new/p ... mories.htm