Southport’s iconic Carousel is reopening for February Half Term!
The 121-year-old attraction, which stands proudly at the entrance of Southport Pier, is owned by local firm Silcock’s.
Built in 1901 in the reign of Queen Victoria, it will be ready and waiting to welcome the next generation of excited children and families when it reopens this Saturday (12th February). Staff are looking forward to a busy half-term period, for both the attraction, and also for the resort as a whole.
Herbert Silcock’s Carousel, on Southport Pier Forecourt, weighs 18 tons, is 42ft in diameter and 18ft tall.
The Gallopers ride features two beautifully-painted carriages and 30 horses, each named after members of the Silcock family or family friends.
The horses on the inside of the ride are original Anderson carvings and date to when the ride was built at the turn of the century..
Silcock’s Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “We have been working hard over winter keeping the Carousel in tip top condition.
“It is a really beautiful attraction. It is from the turn of the last century – it is an antique!
“It is a real landmark for Southport, like Southport Pier, like Lord Street. People come from all over the country to enjoy it.
“It really does take people back down memory lane to their own childhoods.
“Southport has some fantastic landmarks that make it such a unique holiday resort.
“We had a customer in here last week who said to us ‘isn’t Lord Street unique?’ We sometimes take it for granted just how magical a place this is.
“This half term, we hope people will want to come out and have some fun!”
The Galloper set has a proud history. It was built in 1901 by Frederick Savage of Kings Lynne, which was by far the best documented major firm in the construction of gallopers.
It was purchased by Charles Stock who was a travelling showman born in Bristol.
It was owned by several travelling fairs over the years and was at Battersea Park in 1951 for The Festival Of Britain. It was then operated by the Botton Brothers.
The Carousel was purchased by Herbert Silcock in 1989. It took over a year of pain-staking restoration before it then opened with a flourish at the entrance to Southport Pier.
Over these past winter months the ride has undergone careful restoration work to keep it looking in tip-top condition.
The ride was a real passion of Herbert Silcock Snr, who brought the ride to Southport.
Serena Silcock-Prince said: “Grandad loved the Gallopers. Even when he was 94, he was here every day, checking on the ride and making sure it was being run as he intended.
“He was a born showman! It was in his blood, he was a real enthusiast.”
Rides cost £2 each (all riders). Small children must be accompanied.
● Silcock’s Amusements and Embassy Restaurant are inviting people to a Recruitment Open Day on Wednesday, 9th February 2022, 2pm-6pm at Silcock’s Amusements, 32-36 Nevill Street, Southport PR9 0BX. Full Time, Part Time and Seasonal Vacancies are available. For more details please visit: www.silcock-leisure.co.uk
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