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WANT TO RELIVE SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING YEARS IN MANCHESTER'S TOP AMUSEMENT PARK? WELL NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.

The Manchester Evening News is proud to launch its latest offering in nostalgia with a look back at the booming days of Belle Vue.

From its creation in 1836 through to its closure in 1977, Belle Vue was probably the most popular attraction in the country. Dubbed 'Manchester's Playground' the park offered everything for visitors with beautiful fountains, grottos, a maze and themed gardens.

But the main attraction had to be the fun fair with a number of rides from the infamous Bobs to the Water Chute and the Merry-Go-Rounds. After becoming a world-renowned theme park it went on to host speedway, boxing bouts, musical concerts and brass band contests And at the height of its popularity Belle Vue was attracting crowds of 250,000 people every weekend making it one of the biggest attractions in the World.

But it was not all success. There were difficult times during the war years, the park often suffered serious vandalism and it was hit by a major fire in 1958. Now is the time to reminisce about the good and bad years at Belle Vue, including some fabulous photographs, many of which have never been seen before. We chronicle the amazing history of Belle Vue, including dedicated sections on the zoo, circus, fun fair, sport, speedway and music.