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Blackpool Tower celebrates 125th anniversary

The Tower still attracts thousands of visitors

Blackpool Tower is hosting a day of events to celebrate its 125th birthday.

Staff are dressing in traditional Victorian outfits worn when the Eiffel Tower-inspired landmark opened in 1894.

The Tower Ballroom's resident organist for more than 40 years, Phil Kelsall MBE, will play Happy Birthday at a special afternoon tea.

The Tower Circus will give a preview of this year's show, while BBC Radio 1's Danny Howard headlines this evening's Sky High Celebrations in the Tower Eye.

News imageBlackpool Council Blackpool TowerBlackpool Council
Blackpool Tower opened its door to the public 125 years ago
News imageBackpool Council Heritage Services Crowds watching foundations being laidBackpool Council Heritage Services
Thousands lined the street of Blackpool's promenade to view the first stone being laid on 29 September 1891
News imageAlbert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services Construction of Blackpool TowerAlbert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services
It was originally only going to be 450ft (137m) high but ended up 518ft (157m)
News imageAlbert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services Blackpool TowerAlbert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services
It took three years to construct and cost almost £300,000 ($388,500) to build - the equivalent of more than £40m today
News imageAlbert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services The Tower entranceAlbert Eden©Blackpool Council Heritage Services
Attractions within the structure used to include an aviary, aquarium and menagerie
News imageHistoric England Archive Blackpool TowerHistoric England Archive
Blackpool Tower - captured in 1920 - was inspired by the Eiffel Tower
News imageBlackpool Coucil Heritage Services Blackpool Tower programmes through the agesBlackpool Coucil Heritage Services
The Blackpool Tower has never missed a circus season in its 125 years even during World War One and World War Two
News imageBlackpool Council Tower BallroomBlackpool Council
The structure houses the famous Tower Ballroom as well Tower Circus and Tower Dungeon
News imageBBC Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton performing the Salsa to 'Ooh Ahh (Just A Little Bit)' by Gina G during the Live Show in BlackpoolBBC
The ballroom has hosted nine BBC One Strictly Come Dancing special shows, with celebrities such as Stacey Dooley, Alexandra Burke and Ed Balls gracing the dance floor
News imageBBC Blackpool Tower ballroom organist Phil KelsallBBC
Phil Kelsall MBE has been the resident organist for more than 40 years
News imageBlackpool Council Top of Blackpool TowerBlackpool Council
The glass skywalk found at the top of the Blackpool Tower Eye can hold the weight of two elephants
News imageBlackpool Council Blackpool promenade and Blackpool TowerBlackpool Council
Kenny Mew, general manager, said it was an "incredible honour" to manage the tower in such a landmark year

All pictures copyrighted.