South Pier

South Pier stands on Blackpool’s South Promenade at the southern end of the town’s three piers. It was built in 1892 using the Worthington Screwpile System, a method different from the others. The pier opened in 1893 with a choir, two brass bands and an orchestra on Good Friday. A Grand Pavilion with space for 3,000 people followed in May of the same year. At 149 metres it was the shortest of the three piers and had 36 shops plus a bandstand. The entrance had to be moved back in 1902 when the promenade was widened. The pier began as a more refined destination than the others and only added rides later. A carousel appeared on the sand dunes in 1896, bringing holidaymakers to the South Shore. In 1930 it became South Pier, and the Regal Pavilion was added in 1938. Two fires in 1958 and 1964 destroyed the Grand Pavilion, which was replaced by a theatre. The Regal Theatre became the Beachcomber Amusement Arcade in 1963. Today the pier mixes rides with live entertainment. The Crazy Mouse roller coaster replaced the old theatre in 1998. Visitors find dodgems, a Waltzer and the Adrenaline Zone with four high-energy attractions. The Laughing Donkey Family Bar offers live shows, and a separate arena caters for younger children. The pier also hosts the Kiddies Ride Arena and a photograph stall.