SINCE 1878
The Most Magnificent Palace of Amusement In The World - Professor Vanessa Toulmin
Church St Blackpool Lancashire FY1 1HW Tel: 01253 629600 Email: events@wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Winter Gardens. A Grand and Visionary Complex. The Winter Gardens is unique. A Grade II* listed building offering historic grandeur combined with the facility and technology of modern event planning supported by an experienced management team. For conferences, exhibitions, shows, concerts, special events or banquets - for 10 to 10,000, the Winter Gardens in Blackpool remains Britain’s most spectacular choice of venue. The Winter Gardens has entertained hordes of
crowds in Blackpool in its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces. Since opening in 1878, the venue’s aspirations have continued to mirror the development of Blackpool as a friendly seaside resort. As the town grew in popularity throughout the century, the venue’s wide range of entertainment has developed with it. The venue has been used for a diverse range of leisure and business purposes and has evolved
through an on-going development and building programme to meet today’s customer needs. The venue buzzes all year round with top West End Shows, major special interest events, product launches, conferences, and the world famous Dance Festival, to name but a few. The Winter Gardens is a spectacular meeting place in a perfect location with the means to cater for more than 10,000 people! It provides everything
anyone could ever need for conferences, seminars, meetings, socials, banquets and dinnerdances. You will also find a variety of bars and light food restaurants open day and night throughout the complex. Our reputation is based on our unique flexibility, tradition and experience. We encourage clients to visit the venue in person at the earliest opportunity. The true potential of the Winter Gardens can only be judged at first hand.
The Winter Gardens has long been established as one of the UK’s premier venues for staging theatre shows, concerts and events. With over 1 million people passing through its doors annually, it’s not surprising to discover that some of the biggest names from the world of show business and the music industry appear on a regular basis. Within the Winter Gardens 4.9 acres is one of Britain’s largest theatres, the Opera House. Boasting a seating capacity of almost 3,000 and a stage measuring 30 x 15 metres. It is equipped with all the facilities expected of a modern theatre and a team of professional technicians experienced in the staging of major West End Shows.
The Opera House is the UK’s largest purpose built theatre, designed in a modernist style with a sweepingly curved proscenium. Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope have all graced the Opera House stage. More recently, stars including Peter Kay, One Direction, Bob Dylan and Little Mix have all performed to sell out audiences. Smash-hit shows attracted by the Opera House’s immense capacity, perfect location and unequalled reputation have included top West End productions such as Joseph, Grease, Cats and Mamma Mia!
The Opera House. A perfect view of the wonder stage.
1955 ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
LEFT: BOB DYLAN RIGHT: THE QUEEN MEETS PETER KAY
THE FOYER BAR
CINEMA SCREEN
The newly refurbished room is another example of the high standard in all the halls and rooms in the Winter Gardens. The lounge can be used as a self-contained unit, or it can be used as a syndicate, committee or administration space for larger events in the main theatre.
A brand new, state-of-theart digital cinema screen - believed to be the biggest in the North West - and a brand new surround sound system have been specially installed in the Opera House. This incredible project brings cinema back to the Winter Gardens for the first time in almost 40 years.
Empress Ballroom. The jewel in the Winter Gardens’ crown.
The Empress Ballroom, with a capacity of over 3,200 is without a doubt a breathtaking environment for any event. The Empress Ballroom has hosted everything from political party conferences to pop concerts - its architectural splendour, vast capacity and unrivalled flexibility makes it extremely popular with regional, national and international event organisers alike. Whatever your particular need, the power of the Ballroom’s ‘WOW factor’ cannot be underestimated. The majestic Empress Ballroom truly is the jewel in the Winter Gardens’ crown. The Empress Ballroom has played host to many top acts, from Jazz greats to huge rock acts such as Paul Weller, Status Quo, Arcade Fire and The Stone Roses. Performances also range from top solo vocalists to the UK’s favourite ‘boy and girl bands’, the Empress Ballroom achieves capacity audiences all year round. It is ideally suited to the rock and pop market with the added appeal of dancing with full food and beverage facilities available throughout the concert. Concert audiences of up to 3,250 can be comfortably accommodated in this magnificent venue.
ONE OF THE LARGEST THEATRES IN THE UK HAS WELCOMED THE BIGGEST STARS OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR OVER 100 YEARS INCLUDING TWO ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCES
Royal Variety Performance The first Royal Variety Performance to be held outside London was staged at the Opera House in 1955. In 2009 the Royal Variety Performance was again staged at the theatre.
HOME TO THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS DANCE FESTIVAL SINCE 1920 EVERY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER SINCE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL HAS ADDRESSED AN AUDIENCE AT THE VENUE.
THE FAB FOUR PERFORMED AT THE OPERA HOUSE TWICE WITHIN THE SAME MONTH IN THE SUMMER OF 1964. ALSO ON THE BILL WERE THE HIGH NUMBERS, WHO WERE SHORTLY TO RENAME THEMSELVES THE WHO, AND THE KINKS.
Early in 1918, the Admiralty had requisitioned the Empress Ballroom to assemble gas envelopes for the R.33 airship.
OVER ONE MILLION PEOPLE VISIT THE WINTER GARDENS EACH YEAR
INAUGURATED IN 1878, THE WINTER GARDENS COST £100K TO BUILD WHICH IN TODAY’S MONEY IS OVER £10 MILLION
THE EMPRESS BALLROOM FIRST OPENED IN 1896
Never let it be said Frank Sinatra was short on confidence. He announced his ability to run for office in Blackpool during his first appearance at the Opera House back in July, 1950.
YOU KNOW, I COULD BE MAYOR OF THIS TOWN!
BLACKPOOL’S WINTER GARDENS FIRST OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON 11TH JULY 1878 THE EMPRESS BALLROOM HAS BEEN USED AS A CONFERENCE VENUE FOR MANY YEARS BY THE LABOUR PARTY, CONSERVATIVE PARTY AND LIBERAL DEMOCRATS.
During the Second World War, the Winter Gardens was used for RAF training purposes by day and for entertainment in the evening.
ONLY VENUE IN THE WORLD WITH
TWO WORKING WURLITZER ORGANS
NOT ALWAYS AN EXHIBITION SPACE OLYMPIA WAS ONCE THE SITE OF A GIANT FERRIS WHEEL AS BIG AS THE LONDON EYE
The Arena. A venue under the stars.
Adjacent to the magnificent Empress Ballroom, the Arena was originally named the Indian Lounge, due to its beautiful Raj-inspired interior design. The room survived in this state for 68 years until, in 1964, the faded interior was replaced by the Planet Room - a large lounge bar with a cabaret stage. In the late 1980s the Planet Room was
revamped in a Roman style to become the present Arena. The Arena can be utilised on its own or in conjunction with the adjacent Empress Ballroom. The room’s dramatic use of light creates an almost theatrical atmosphere for meetings, presentations, themed events, banquets, cabaret style shows and exhibitions.
Spanish Hall and Windsor Bar. Created in the 1930s by Andrew Mazzei , a famous film set designer of the time. The spectacular Spanish Hall, lavishly themed with its three-dimensional frieze representing a Spanish village, provides a magical backdrop for any grand occasion, from a banquet to a wedding reception. Beer festivals, concerts and corporate functions have all enjoyed great success in
the Spanish Hall’s unique charismatic environment. Retaining many of its original custom-made fittings, this spectacular art deco venue is entirely self-contained with its own adjacent bar. The Windsor Bar is ideal for a variety of private functions, available with the adjacent Spanish Hall or on its own.
THE WINDSOR BAR LEADING OFF THE SPANISH HALL
Renaissance Room. Created with grandeur and glamour. Step back in time. Baronial Hall.
THIS STUNNING ROOM CAN BE USED FOR MEETINGS OR AS AN ANTEROOM FOR EVENTS IN THE BARONIAL AND SPANISH HALLS
This medieval hall, designed in the guise of an antique castle, offers a step back in time to the eve of the first millennium. With heraldic fittings and furnishings, heavy oak panelling and authentic medieval detailing, the Baronial Hall offers a distinctly different atmosphere for meetings and a unique dining experience.
THE PERFECT FAIRYTALE SETTING FOR A WEDDING
The exquisite, periodstyle hall was created with grandeur and glamour in mind in 1931 and built an enviable reputation as a high-class restaurant and cocktail bar. Benefiting from plenty of natural light, the stunning Renaissance Room is
extremely versatile and particularly suited to special occasions for up to 150 guests. With grand arched doorways and enchanting cherubs adorning the walls, this opulent venue has the ability to infuse any meeting or private function with charm and elegance.
Pavilion & Horseshoe. An exquisite surprise.
PAVILION THEATRE STAGE. PAVILION THEATRE FROM THE STAGE, c 1950.
THE NEWLY REFURBISHED DERHAM LOUNGE
Leading off the Floral Hall the Winter Gardens reveals yet another exquisite surprise: a graceful semi-circular promenade known as the ‘Horseshoe’. At its centre is the Pavilion, a supreme example of Victorian stage architecture now converted for conference, concert, banqueting or dinner-dance. Alternatively, the partitions dividing the Pavilion from the Horseshoe may be folded back to create a spacious, self-contained exhibition area. The beautiful Pavilion Theatre accommodates up to 500 seated guests and provides one of Blackpool’s more intimate theatrical experiences and can form a distinctly different venue for a conference or meeting.
Renewed elegance. Derham Lounge.
The room takes its name from John C. Derham, the Tower Company’s resident architect, who designed the Olympia exhibition hall and re-modelled other areas of the Winter Gardens. The room had been created as a Restaurant and Cafe in 1897, but became the Olympia Bar in 1930. From the 1980s until more recently, it was used for a variety of functions including the Ram Jam Inn, Apple Annie’s and most recently
a collectables outlet, before being reclaimed in 2013 and restored to its former beauty. Most of the 1930s plasterwork has survived and has been restored. The restoration of this room saw it being stripped back to its shell and the Renaissance glitz and glamour renewed. The room can now be used for a variety of events, either as a standalone room using the Carter Street entrance or as an extension to the larger complex.
Cafes and Bars
OLYMPIA EXHIBITION CENTRE
The tradition of outstanding hospitality associated with the Winter Gardens as a famous Blackpool visitor attraction has never been more alive than today, with a choice of cafes and bars offering something to suit all tastes.
WITH 2,600 SQUARE
Olympia Exhibition Centre. The Winter Gardens offers many exciting opportunities for exhibition organisers, none more so than the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
Home to many of the North’s major trade shows, it is easy to understand why. With 2,600 square metres of space and direct links to the Ballroom, Arena, Horseshoe and Pavilion, the Olympia can be used as a totally self-contained venue or alongside other facilities all under one roof.
METRES OF SPACE, OLYMPIA IS BLACKPOOL’S LARGEST INDOOR EXHIBITION SPACE
The Olympia offers easy access for vehicles and equipment, with ample parking for visitors and exhibitors immediately adjacent to the Winter Gardens. The impressively spacious Olympia features high ceilings, natural light and easy accessibility, with three points of exterior entry for vehicles and equipment.
THE MAZZEI CAFE
THE EMPRESS GRILL ROOM
The Mazzei Cafe, situated off the Floral Hall and opposite The Empress Grill Room offers a relaxed atmosphere. Serving light lunches, afternoon tea and snacks including paninis, homemade cakes and a selection of sandwiches.
The Empress Grill Room within the Winter Gardens offers the choice of fine cuisine with flexible catering that can be tailored to your requirements. The contemporary interior of the restaurant contrasts delightfully with the dramatic surroundings of the building. There are also a number of bars in the Winter Gardens complex. The Windsor Bar which can be used alone or with the adjacent Spanish Hall. The Galleon Bar which opened in 1931 and was modelled on the lines of the officers quarters of one of the Spanish armada’s galleons. The Theatre Bar leads off the Galleon Bar and is a perfect venue for intimate performances and as a break room during large conferences. Each of these wondrous spaces can be used individually or as rooms to facilaite a larger event for networking, relaxing or small meetings.
Notes
ANDRÉ RIEU
ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
BLACKPOOL & FYLDE COLLEGE FASHION SHOW
How to find us
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PROMENADE THE BLACKPOOL TOWER
The Winter Gardens Blackpool has to be seen to be believed.