When the North Pier was constructed it proved to be so successful that a company was formed in 1864 called the South Jetty Company. The pier was constructed by the same contractor as the North Pier and was 460 meters in length. The actual pier was 340 meters in length but an additional Jetty was 120 meters in length that was used during low tide.
The Central Pier was constructed for Fun from the start, in the early years the fun was in the form of its dancing facilities. The dancing moved to roller skating in the early 1900's and amusements were added. The jetty was used for steamboat excursions. As dancing became less popular after the second world war the facilities were converted into theatres, pubs and amusement arcades. The jetty was removed in 1975 due to lack of use.
Today Blackpool's central pier is still dedicated to Fun. From the ferris wheel, the Legends show, the fairground rides.
The ferris wheel was added in 1990 and due to its size and weight £750,000 was spend strengthening the structure of the pier. The Ferris wheel is 108 ft - 32 meters tall. It gives a great view of the Blackpool promenade and is especially good to ride during the Illuminations. The current gondolas allow you to rotate them to get a full panoramic view of Blackpool, on a good day views stretch from Wales in the South to the Lake district in the North.
Legends has been on Central Pier for the last 10 years and is always very popular so book early. The show is at the head of the pier above the arcade. It is hosted in a show bar that is the perfect venue for such a show. The show consists of tribute artists performing amazingly true to life shows. Each evening 4 acts from the 9 or so available. They perform in full costume and are amazing both vocally and visually. The acts include tributes to Elvis, Freddie Mercury, Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Rod Stewart, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Robbie Williams and Ronan Keating.
This is a huge bar and entertainment area dedicated to keeping children occupied while the parents enjoy a drink or two. The bar features its own amusements area, food and tuck shop, its the perfect child friendly attraction for a relaxing afternoon or evening. During the main season the bar has live entertainment during the day and evening. The host Aldini presents magic, music and mayhem during the day and in the evening family cabaret from 7:30pm is performed.
The central Pier has a few other rides for all the family. There is the traditional waltzer, the frog ride will have your heart in your mouth as it rotates round and round and then suddenly you jump up and then down in your seat. There are also some old fun favorites such as the dogems, helter skelter, and a carousel.
