The incredible Silcock’s Carousel in Southport is a stunning symbol of happy times at the seaside, entertaining many thousands of generations of the past few decades.
It stands proudly at the entrance to Southport Pier, offering fun for people of all ages as they spin round and round to the sound of a fairground organ.
It is one of the region’s Hidden Gems – and with the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards inviting people to vote for their favourite Hidden Gem, you can nominate it here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LCRHIDDENGEM22
Last year, there were five Southport venues shortlisted for the awards: Bijou Cinema Southport; British Lawnmower Museum; Enelles Glass House; Southport Pier Pavilion; and the Vintage Tea Room in Churchtown.
Silcock’s Carousel would make a great nomination this year, and it would be great to see other ‘Hidden Gems’ in our town nominated too, to really put Southport on the map.
The Golden Gallopers on the Pier forecourt, next to Silcock’s Funland and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, is the local family-run firm’s flagship ride.
This astonishing piece of mechanical engineering was built at the turn of the century by Savages of Kings Lynne.
It was purchased by the Silcock family in 1989, and it took three years of painstaking restoration to return it to its former glory.
The Carousel made its opening debut at the Shirdley Show at St Helens in July 1990.
This 18 ton ride is 42 ft in diameter, 18 ft tall and has three Cockerels and 33 Horses – each of them named after a member of the Silcock family and family friends.
The three Cockerels and 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. The rest of the horses have been replaced by copies due to wear and tear.
The beautiful Gavioli organ at the centre of the ride, built by Gavioli in Paris in 1901, is worthy of being nominated as a Hidden gem in its own right.
The good news is that people can enjoy Herbert Silcock’s 121-year-old Carousel throughout this winter. It is open every weekend, and will also be open every day except Christmas Day during the school Christmas holidays.
The remarkable ride was built in 1901, in the reign of Queen Victoria, and has entertained hundreds of thousands of delighted families ever since.
Silcock’s Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “We are delighted that the Carousel is open for people to enjoy.
“Last winter it was closed while we carried out a refresh on it. It just needed a little TLC.
“It was taken down and was thoroughly cleaned and completely repainted, ensuring that we can keep it exactly how it should be for people.
“We are delighted to see it open throughout these winter months, putting smiles on people’s faces.
“As an attraction, it really is quite something. It really is very special.
“It is a big part of our family, and is such an important symbol for Southport too.”
The Carousel plays a very supportive role in the local community too.
On Sunday 11th December, the Pier Forecourt area will once again be a sea of red when the annual Southport Santa Sprint takes place, raising money for Queenscourt Hospice.
Silcock’s is once again sponsoring the Santa Sprint, with a £1,000 donation to the hospice and free rides for every Santa taking part!
Other than the Santa Sprint, tickets for all riders on Silcock’s Carousel are just £2 each. Small children must be accompanied by an adult.
Nominations are now open for the Hidden Gem awards.
A Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards spokesperson said: “This category will be voted for by the public and will recognise the region’s ‘best kept secret’.
“We want to hear what people think is the best gem in the Liverpool City Region, whether that be in Sefton, Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, or Wirral.
“Gems may be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail. What is the city region’s best kept secret?
“By nominating a ‘Hidden Gem’, they could be catapulted into the Tourism Awards spotlight.”
Please click here for nominations – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LCRHIDDENGEM22
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
