History of

The 'Blackpool South Jetty Company' was formed in 1864 and work began in 1867 to the design of J.I.Mawson. It opened on 30th May 1868 as the South Pier, changing its name when the Victoria (now South) Pier opened. Its 1518 foot length included a 400 foot low-water jetty. The entrance was altered in 1877 and 1903.The overall length was reduced to 1118 feet when the jetty was demolished in the 1970s.

The 'People's Pier' was renowned for its entertainment, particularly open-air dancing which was very popular before World War Two. Most of the centre platform became an open-air theatre in 1949, and the pier-head dance floor became the New Theatre in 1967. Dancing was moved indoors to the shoreward end White Pavilion (built 1903) until 1966 when it was demolished to make way for the Dixieland Palace/Golden Goose complex which opened in 1967. This was damaged by fire in 1973 but was rebuilt. Today, this entrance building houses an arcade and a nightclub.

In 1986, the theatre was modernised as part of a £400,000 scheme and became "Maggie May's". A 108 foot Big Wheel was added in 1990 after strengthening: total cost estimated at £750,000

Other facilities include dodgems, waltzers, a family amusement centre, kiosks and fishing for permit holders.

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