Bowler Hat Toss!
Each guest attending the event received an exclusive Charlie Cairoli–style bowler hat, specially made to mark the occasion. After the presentation, everyone gathered in the circus ring, and on the count of three, the entire audience tossed their bowler hats into the air in a joyful tribute to Charlie — a moment filled with laughter, cheer, and heartfelt emotion.
Sunday at Showtown
Following the plaque presentation, the circus, the gala dinner, and the auction, we were treated to something truly special — an invitation to Showtown, Blackpool’s Museum of Entertainment and Fun, for a personal and unique once-in-a-lifetime Q&A with Charlie Cairoli & Co.
The presentation was beautifully put together by our dear friend Bev Caroll and it proved to be a wonderful couple of hours in the company of so many lovely people. Hearing the shared memories of Charlie Cairoli, Norman Barrett, Carl Barton, and many others was simply magical — a heartwarming celebration of laughter, legacy, and friendship.
To see all the official pictures from the weekend follow this like to Juliette Gregson's YouTube channel.
Her wonderful pictures are here
🎪 Charlie Cairoli Blue Plaque Heritage Weekend 🎪
The Blue Plaque Heritage Weekend took place on Saturday, 1st November 2025, in the ring of the world-famous Blackpool Tower Circus. Around 120 guests, including VIPs, dignitaries, and members of the Cairoli family, joined us for the long-awaited unveiling of the Blue Heritage Plaque honouring Charlie Cairoli.
The Mayor of Blackpool unveiled the plaque alongside Charlie Cairoli Junior, before it was officially presented to the family.
Guests, family, and friends then had the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the plaque and with Charlie.
Two special copies of Charlie Cairoli: 39 Years Under the Tower were produced for the occasion, each containing additional pages featuring photos of the plaque. All attending guests signed these books — one copy was donated to Heritage Blackpool for the archives as a permanent record of the event, and the other was auctioned at the gala dinner.
Following the presentation, guests enjoyed the 2025 production of the world-famous Blackpool Tower Circus, before returning to the Imperial Hotel for a Gala Dinner, complete with singing, dancing, a charity auction, and a raffle. A great time was had by all.
The Charlie Cairoli Blue Heritage Plaque now has a permanent home inside the Blackpool Tower, on the promenade side. As you enter the Tower, look to your left and you’ll see the Tower’s own Heritage Blue Plaque, commemorating its Centenary — and on your right-hand side, you’ll find the plaque dedicated to Charlie Cairoli.
A truly fitting tribute to a man who brought laughter and joy to millions under the famous Tower Circus ring, ensuring that Charlie’s legacy will continue to shine for generations to come. ❤️
Curtis Tappenden and 39 Years Under the Tower
📖 New Edition of Charlie Cairoli: 39 Years Under the Tower 📖
As many of you may already know, the original copies of Charlie Cairoli: 39 Years Under the Tower by Nigel Male and Steven Richley are now out of print.
We had begun planning a reprint of the book earlier this year when we sadly lost Steve in May. It was a difficult time, but we are determined to move forward in his memory and continue the project we started together.
Before Steve’s passing, we had already discussed ideas with our dear friend Curtis Tappenden, who kindly agreed to design a new front cover for the updated edition. The new version will include some amendments following the original print, along with an entirely new chapter covering the acquisition of the Cairoli Collection by Heritage Blackpool and Showtown.
This updated edition will also be produced in association with Showtown — a very kind and generous partnership offer for which we are truly grateful.
We hope to relaunch the book in Spring 2026, and it will be dedicated to the memory of Brian Nicholson and our dear friend Steve Richley.
The new front cover, featuring Charlie alongside the Blue Heritage Plaque and the Blackpool Tower, is an image we are absolutely delighted with — our sincere thanks go to Curtis Tappenden for his wonderful work.
The original artwork, which I purchased at the charity auction, now holds pride of place in my hallway alongside my other treasured Curtis Tappenden pieces.
This new edition will be a true celebration of friendship, dedication, and the enduring legacy of Charlie Cairoli — a clown who continues to bring smiles to faces old and new. ❤️
