Blackpool Pleasure Beach 1950s

Some footage from a video made about Blackpool in the 1950s or 60s. Among many things to note are the different coloured tracks of the Grand National rollercoaster, the old cars on it (no fancy lap bars or belts in those days), and the clear view of the Big Dipper from the promenade, today obscured by buildings and not only one but soon two modern steel coasters (Pepsi Max Big One and the new suspended looping coaster - 'Infusion'). The source video's visual aspect is stretched, making things appear taller and steeper than reality. However, it's a nice look back at the past.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• blackpool
• pleasure
• beach
• retro

[KopiteLiam123]

rollercoaster parks we around then?! omg.

[PierreProcter]

@KopiteLiam123 Yep the Pleasure Beach has been around since the late 1800s, and the racing coaster you see here is the Grand National, built in 1935. You also get a brief glimpse of the Big Dipper, which opened in 1923 - both are still operational and bloody good fun!

[AmazingAxiomcrew]

big dipper, it crashed what a waste :S

[PierreProcter]

It did last year, but it's been fixed, made safe and is running again just fine - and this August it'll be 87 years old! Brilliant old coaster. No waste at all. Good old Blackers!

[blackpoolacer]

great vid and not a drunken chav in site. Boy how its changed!

[GreenSwordsman45]

"30 mph, guarenteed the thrill of thrills!"

And with Pepsi Max Big One constructed that's like child speed. :3

[QStarProductions]

The grand national is faster than that now. And big dipper in 2010 upwards is really faster

[ViaMediaUK]

OMG! There was actually a time when the Grand National track wasn't just used for storing old crap!!!

[scarredxangel]

Goodness, this place is like almost 90 years old. I hope it's British History books, if not then it should be. Isn't like the oldest Theme Park in the world or one of?

[sandgrownen]

We lived directly behind the Pleasure Beach when I was young and summer days in the garden were always punctuated by the thunder of the wheels of the Big Dipper and the Grand National and the high pitched screams of the passengers.

Happy memories.

Thankyou for that.

[stephenwardlaw1]

@PierreProcter omg really ? thats groose !

[aceattack52]

Very good quality for such an old commercial!

[andrewbarrett42]

Grand national is rated of the best wooden rollercoasters in the world.

[leekybee]

Great memories - used to wave to my Gran at the overhead bridge near the end, then go for a hot chocolate (winter) or a limeade (summer) from the vending machine under the Flying Machine. Had to be really brave to sit at back when no restraints as you felt like you were going to fly out - never did, 'cos I perfected wedging myself into the seat and then holding the handle with one hand then pushing on the back of the seat in front with the other. Quite an art form!!!

[jeromecyr]

that video quality is better than 90% of youtube videos, impressive!