Kenny Mew, General Manager, The Blackpool Tower
Gazing up at The Blackpool Tower as a seven year old, I knew it was magical. My parents decided to buy a hotel in Blackpool and took me and my older sister on a trip from our home in Dumfries to look around. I was utterly bewitched by the Illuminations, complete with elephants on the beach. I thought I had arrived on a film set. I am 39 now but I remember it like it was yesterday.
My life at The Blackpool Tower is never short of memorable moments. Strictly Come Dancing has broadcast seven live shows from the ballroom and I have worked at every one of them. It’s nerve-wracking knowing millions of people are watching on a Saturday night and I’m responsible for the venue running smoothly.
Growing up in Scotland I don’t do star-struck. Stephen Hendry, however, was the exception. He has always been one of my heroes and I met him when the circus was used for a snooker tournament. For once, I was speechless.
My job is unique. There is a wonderful nostalgia around The Blackpool Tower. So many people have a childhood memory of the place but we’re also creating memories for new generations and introducing something different. The circus show changes every year and The Blackpool Tower Eye at the top with its glass floor walk, panoramic views and bar is really popular.
I am a member of the Tartan Army and last year had The Blackpool Tower lit up white and blue. Scotland played England at Wembley and I did my bit. My friends couldn’t believe it when they saw it. I might have an English accent but I am definitely Scottish.
It’s such a magnificent building it draws you in and makes you want to stay. I worked my way up, starting at KFC, becoming a bar manager, then eventually deputy general manager and three years ago became general manager – that was my proudest moment to date.
Hundreds of thousands of people come through The Blackpool Tower every year. My job is never boring. Being general manager is such a big, and brilliant, role – I have no plans to move on. From the regulars dancing in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the day to the Wurlitzer Organ, to the Circus performers preparing for shows, to the new dinosaur golf for children, to The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, there is always something going on.
My 18-year-old daughter also works in The Blackpool Tower. She has a job in our indoor play area, Jungle Jims, so for me it’s a family affair. It’s a big building so we don’t get under each other’s feet. I like to think it’s not too bad having her old dad around.
Blackpool is known as “the Glasgow of England.” There is no doubt that it has an enduring popularity with Scots. There is something for everyone and I am really proud of what the town is becoming. There has been lots of regeneration going on.
Grandparents bring their grandkids, parents bring their children and I love being part of that. I speak to visitors as I go about the building. It sounds cheesy but I jump out of bed in the morning. I’m a lucky man.
My parents ended up buying a small B&B. They’re retired now, of course. I’m getting older and so is The Blackpool Tower – next year it’ll be 125 years old. I’ll always be grateful that they brought me to Blackpool.
Blackpool Illuminations run until November 4, 2018
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