Blackpool’s Great Wheel Discovery Day

Blackpool’s Local and Family History Centre is showcasing a pottery souvenir of the famous Great Wheel attraction as part of a Lancashire wide object trail.

The History of Lancashire in 70 objects project will mark the 70^th anniversary of the Lancashire Life magazine. It has been curated by the people of Lancashire with their chosen objects displayed in various public spaces across the county. The Great Wheel souvenir will be on display in the Local and Family History Centre, first floor of Blackpool Central Library until the 2 December 2017.

The Great Wheel was a famous Blackpool attraction and Lancashire landmark which stood for 32 years. It was sometimes called the ‘Gigantic Wheel’ or ‘Big Wheel’. It opened in 1896 at the Winter Gardens as a rival to Blackpool Tower, offering great views across Lancashire. It was 67m high and had 30 carriages, each could hold 30 passengers. It was driven by two powerful steam engines. A ride cost sixpence and there were four rides an hour.

As part of this project there will be three activities exploring the history of the object:

• Great Wheel Discovery Day on Saturday 30 September 2017, 10:30 -13:00 hours at Local and Family History Centre. A beginners guide using resources such as historic newspapers, maps, photographs, archives, postcards and much more. Book via Eventbrite or telephone 01253 478090
• Bygone Days Talk on Blackpool’s Great Wheel on Thursday 26 October 2017, 14:00 – 15:00 hours, in the Brunswick Room, Central Library. Emma Heslewood, Curator Blackpool Museum Project, will explore the remarkable story of the gigantic wheel situated in the Winter Gardens from 1896-1928.
• Family workshop: Model Making on Friday 3 November 2017, 13:30 – 15:30 hours in the Brunswick Room, Central Library. For families (recommended 5-12yrs). Grundy Art Gallery will be delivering a family friendly workshop exploring model making and architecture inspired by The Great Wheel.

For more information about these activities or to book a place please contact the Centre on 01253 478090 or email [email protected]