Bpl South: Restoration of Blackpool’s Mirror Ball

The end of November 2021 marked the completion of the restoration of Blackpool’s Mirror Ball on the South Promenade. With work now complete, it’s back to its dazzling best.

Originally created by artist Michael Trainor, the artwork is reputed to be the world’s biggest Mirror Ball at 6m in diameter. The 1969 Hollywood film ‘They Shoot Horses Don’t They?’ was inspiration for the piece and its quirky official name – the film features a large Mirror Ball. Blackpool’s giant mirror ball artwork is one of ten pieces installed in the 2002 Great Promenade Show.

In 2021 it was completely re-mirrored with a whopping 47,000 new mirror tiles. It now rotates a full circle once a minute, thanks to an overhaul of the internal bearings. Along with refurbishment of the bearings it now lights up at night thanks to the addition of new projectors. Now making a full turn each minute, the projectors throw a dazzling light show onto the mirrors creating a fantastic evening display. It’s a wonderful South Shore addition to the Illuminations too!

Blackpool Council’s Property Services Department managed the refurbishment as a team effort involving Garmendale Engineering, Jordans Glass, Mirror Finish NW, students from Blackpool and the Fylde College and volunteers.

Now returned to all its sparkling glory, it’s shining at South Promenade. This much loved iconic landmark will give many more years of joy to local people and visitors.

Removing the Mirror Ball

The iconic Mirror Ball on the South Promenade came down at the end of November 2020 for a full refurbishment.

We were there to see the first slice removed from the top! Take a look in this short video –

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You can see the sorry state of the glazing in the next photo. The mirror tiles appear to have lost most of their shine and turned back into squares of glass.

Curious about how the Mirror Ball fits together? Here’s the answer! Photographer Caroline James was there to capture the giant jigsaw being taken to pieces.

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Restoration of Blackpool’s Mirror Ball

A range of partners worked on the refurbishment project, led by the council’s Property Services Department.

Did you know? In total, 47,000 mirror tiles had to be removed and replaced. The restoration used 1,000 tubes of tile adhesive!

You’ve seen the sorry state it was in last year. The harsh weather with strong salty winds and rain plays havoc with everything. But what a difference retiling makes!

Local company Jordans Glass supplied the mirrors, with tiling undertaken by Mirror Finish North West. Students and staff from the Blackpool School of Arts, along with local volunteers, have all played a part in removing and replacing the 47,000 mirror tiles.

The Mirror Ball is Back!

Published September 2021

South Shores most famous landmark is back it’s rightful place at New South Promenade. The restoration of Blackpool’s Mirror Ball is almost complete – my, how twinkly it looks! Work to install it began on Monday 13 September 2021. It’s a big job, putting it back together, taking just over a week.

Garmendale Engineering pieced the giant ball back together on its original site on the South Promenade. The sections were first delivered to site, then connected back together. With the assembly complete, addition of another 4000 mirror tiles completed the seamless exterior.

We went along on a glorious September day to take a look at progress –

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