Belle Vue Manchester, A trip to the fair by Renaissance

Belle Vue is an area of Manchester, England, east of the city centre.
The area is best known for the former Belle Vue Zoological Gardens and Belle Vue Stadium. The zoo opened in 1836 and in the 1870s a small amusements area was added which developed into a major amusement park in the 20th century. It occupied a 96-acre site and at the height of its popularity attracted 2,000,000 visitors annually. In 1910 the Kings Hall was opened, housing The Hallé for several years and hosting major concerts over the years. The zoo closed in September 1977 due to mounting debts. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987.
Music:
Renaissance are an English progressive rock band, best known for their 1978 UK top 10 hit "Northern Lights" and progressive rock classics like "Carpet of the Sun", "Mother Russia", and "Ashes Are Burning". They developed a unique sound, combining a female lead vocal with a fusion of classical, folk, rock, and jazz influences.[1] Characteristic elements of the Renaissance sound are Annie Haslam's wide vocal range, prominent piano accompaniment, orchestral arrangements, vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, synthesiser, and versatile drum work. The band created a significant following in the northeast United States in the 1970s, and that region remains their strongest fan base.

[@susanrochford1906]

Belle Vue was Amazing... We used to go a lot, meet new friends, and have fun! Mum used to take me and my sister when very young....

[@staceyrain7529]

My dad absolutely loved this place he used to tell me about the big hippo and elephants and how he used to dance in the beautiful dance halls with all the pretty girls hes dancing in heaven now such a shame its all gone now

[@bertdingle]

I bet most of the couples in Gorton met in the dance halls at Belle Vue back in the day. Its great you Dad was able to pass his enjoyment on to you.

[@davidc6963]

Belle Vue was my playground as a kid. Never payed to get in. Always found a way to sneak in. Ripped the heart out of Gorton when it closed down.

[@bertdingle]

Mine too but unfortunately it closed down when I was in my teens but still lots of fun to be had :)

[@hummadruz]

Had my first ever fizzy drink at the Speedway - rarely touched lemonade since. Fond by vague memories of Belle Vue - the animals and the circus. Saw The Damned and Toyah at the Kings Hall.

[@bertdingle]

Fizzy drinks! If we asked for a fizzy drink when we were out we got told "No! there was plenty of corporation pop waiting for you at home" :)

[@paulmason6474]

I used to do first aid at Belle Vue. We used to cover the gardens, Stockcar Racing, Speedway, and the Circus at the Kings Hall. The first aid Superintendents ( St John Ambulence) we’re Bessie and Cyril Hyde. We had lots of incidents. I was only 16;in about 1967.😅😅😅😅

[@bertdingle]

I imagine the elephant rides caused a few first aid incidents 😁

[@vicgallimore6756]

Born 1944, brought up in Colyhurst, went to St. Agustines school, used to catch the 54 bus on Queens Rd. to Bel Vue,, spent a lot of time there. Now in Australia by still...... BRITISH TO THE BACKBONE

[@trevsblog]

Great video interesting stuff! Liked the music too, I wonder if the band were influenced by Syd Barrett?

[@bertdingle]

Interesting thought. The lead singer Annie Haslam was married to Roy Wood for a time and I think he was at the forefront of the prog rock science. I had to cut the original track down as it was over 10 minutes long so they have that in common with Pink Floyd. 😀

[@trevsblog]

@@bertdingle Ten minutes long, brilliant! It seems to me that we are now stuck in an endless period of modern RnB as popular music. Or perhaps that’s just my age 🧐

[@bertdingle]

@@trevsblog I hate to agree, but I think your right about the music and our age 🤣

[@777petew]

Where was this Bert? I was born in Gorton, and never saw this place. Mind you I had no money. 😉

[@bertdingle]

Wasn't that you on the tricycle? 😂

[@paulmason6474]

It was where the Stoodly Car auction place is now. Loved Belle Vue see my other general comment.

[@TheLucreziia]

The Zoo was a disgrace, to those poor wild animals trapped in tiny enclosures and cages it was utterly appalling! 😡😥

[@bertdingle]

Different times, this was the normal and acceptable back then just like going to see a bearded lady. Luckily most places have a better understanding of animal welfare these days. We just have a bit more work to do on the people welfare side.

[@vicgallimore6756]

I know, I lived in one too, Pearson st., Columnist.