One Merseyside town has a "hidden gem" that has survived the test of time.
Silcock's carousel that sits on Southport's Promenade has been nominated for the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards after 122 years of being a mainstay in the town centre. The carousel sits next to the entrance of Southport Pier and in front of Funland as people of all ages spin around listening to the historic Gavioli fairground organ.
The "hidden gem" was built in 1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria and is among 10 hidden gems shortlisted in the category, four of which are from Southport. The 18-ton ride is 42ft wide and 18ft tall with three cockerels and 33 horses - each of them named after a member of the Silcock family and family friends.
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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 The rest of the horses have been replaced by copies due to wear and tear. Silcock’s operations manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “We are incredibly proud as a family that our carousel has been recognised in the hidden gem category in this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
“We want to thank everyone who has nominated us this year. There was a real buzz on Monday when the shortlist was announced and we realised that Silcock’s carousel was among the nominees.
“Lots of customers and members of staff have been messaging and phoning us with their support and congratulations. The Carousel is a real landmark for so many people who live in Southport and for visitors from across the UK, many of whom have wonderful memories of riding on it as children, and who are now bringing their children and grandchildren.
“Lots of people tell us that it is the one thing they remember doing in Southport when they were younger. It is a really fantastic attraction that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted. Now I’d like to ask everyone - please vote for Silcock’s Carousel to win."
The other three Southport based nominees are Cranberry's Cafe, Southport Bijou Cinema and Tik Taco. The other six Merseyside nominees are Future Yard, Birkenhead; Home Farm Restaurant; Speke Hall, Liverpool; Red Brick Market, Liverpool; Ten Streets Social, Liverpool; The Welsford Bistro, Liverpool; and The Wheelbarrow, Liverpool.
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday, March 2.
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