Ten years ago today, hundreds of people crowded to watch Blackpool’s Layton Flats pulled down.
And it changed our skyline forever. They were iconic but had come to a natural end and explosives brought them crashing down on July 31 2016.
Our photographers and videographers were there to witness the high rise buildings fall, live streaming it all on Facebook, as by-standers watched in awe as part of Blackpool disappeared forever.
The flats came straight down within about 20 seconds but it left people with mixed feelings, for some it was like saying goodbye to old friends and for others it was eerie.
Away from the dust clouds which bellowed from the rubble, hundreds of other people gathered on the top of Sainsbury’s car park on Talbot Road to witness a chapter in Blackpool’s history.
These photos tell the story of the day and a video is included which captures the historic event as it happened.
1. Layton Flats demolition
This photo was taken from the top of a building for a distanced view of the tumbling towers Photo: Iain Lynn
2. Layton Flats demolition
With Blackpool Tower standing proudly in the distance it was time to say goodbye to the flats - an era which had come to a natural end Photo: Yannick Dixon
3. Layton Flats
Thousands of people gathered to watch the demolition Photo: Martin Bostock
