Blackpool News / Events / Theatres & Shows Blackpool Winter Gardens Opens its Doors to the Public 2 January 2018 by Visit Blackpool THE OPEN DAY WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2018 Following the success of a record breaking 2017 which saw over 1.3 million people visit the historic venue, the world-famous Winter Gardens will again throw open its doors for an exclusive access all areas event, allowing the public a rare chance to explore every nook and cranny of the grade 2* listed building and witness firsthand the extensive renovations taking place, free of charge on Saturday 27th January, 11am – 3pm. Blackpool's Winter Gardens first opened to the public on 11 July 1878, with a lavish ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of London and Mayors and Mayoresses from 68 towns throughout the country. Through its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces the venue has welcomed many millions since, including stars of stage, screen, and world politics. The public will get the chance to visit backstage of the Opera House and a chance to tread the boards, so many famous faces have previously walked on, visit the backstage dressing rooms, and get up-close to the historic Wurlitzer theatre organ. The grandeur of the Empress Ballroom will be free to explore whilst the often-overlooked Spanish Suites will offer a unique insight into Blackpool’s largest entertainment venue. The open day will give the public the chance to explore and learn of the extensive history the building beholds after more than a century. A series of events will take place during the open day including which will be revealed over the coming weeks and visitors will get a unique opportunity to see the extensive restoration work taking place most notably in the Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall. Kathy Smith, General Manager of the Winter Gardens said: “The Winter Gardens is an amazing venue and we are delighted to be opening our doors again following the success of our previous open days which have welcomed and delighted thousands. “The 2018 event will give the public a rare chance to exclusively explore the venue free of charge, learn about its history and discover rooms generally closed to the public whilst seeing firsthand the significant restoration works taking place to the Empress Ballroom and Spanish Halls. Hosting a range of events from business lunches, exhibitions and conferences, the Winter Gardens is home to some of the UK’s most iconic and spectacular spaces, including the world-renowned Empress Ballroom home to some of the most famous gigs of all time, and stage to speeches from every prime minster since Sir Winston Churchill. Not forgetting the ‘Wonder Stage’, the UK’s largest and venue to everyone that’s anyone in showbiz including 1D, Frank Sinatra and Peter Kay. With a further 20 plus unique and breathtaking spaces to explore, the open day is a rare and unique opportunity to experience them all, including the ones people don’t know exist. For more information about the open day, visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or call the Winter Gardens on 01253 625252.