With it’s ‘onion’ or ‘teardrop’ toppers, as they have been affectionately known through the years, the Big Dipper has become symbolic to thrill-seeking rollercoaster enthusiasts – it’s the one everyone knows. As Blackpool Pleasure Beach opens it’s gates for the 2023 season, the Big Dipper will take centre stage with celebrations planned for it’s actual anniversary on August 23. These pictures, courtesy of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, have been rarely seen, they are a real treat and show the rollercoaster from construction right through the decades.
In case you missed them: 21 scenes of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the 90s - the park, the people and the rides including Avalanche, Playstation and The Big One
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7. Big Dipper - 100 Years of Memories
This was September 1923 when it had just opened. Incredible to see how desolate it was, hardly anything else around Photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Archives
8. Big Dipper - 100 Years of Memories
A view across the boating pool in 1928 Photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Archives
9. Big Dipper - 100 Years of Memories
The Big Dipper is the oldest continually operating rollercoaster in the UK. This picture is from 1984 - the riders are right at the top Photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Archives
10. Big Dipper - 100 Years of Memories
Another brilliant retro scene from 1984. The Big Dipper has a capacity of 840 riders per hour and has a ride duration of three minutes Photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Archives
11. Big Dipper - 100 Years of Memories
A postcard depicting the iconic ride Photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Archives
12. Big Dipper - 100 Years of Memories
Painting the wooden rails in 1963. Track length for the rollercoaster is 3,295ft Photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Memories