The iconic Needles chairlift was officially opened on this day on 18th April 1973.
In its half-a-century of operation, the chairlift has taken around 14million visitors from the top of the cliff to Alum Bay beach below.
The chairlift, which can carry some 500 passengers an hour in both directions, remains a popular must-do attraction for visitors to the Isle of Wight.
Famous names that have been transported by the chairlift include actor Jude Law, Eastenders star Shane Ritchie, cricketer Freddie Flintoff, politician and broadcaster Michael Portillo and TV cook Ainsley Harriet.
On 14th July 2012, the Olympic torch was carried on the Needles chairlift on its journey to light the flame at the 2012 London Olympics. Island Echo was there that day to capture the historic event…
And its still dear to use
Well don’t go on it then!
Are they still planning to extend it to take people to and from the mainland?
I won’t be using it ! A few years ago one of the support structures started to go further into the ground, plus the few times I have been on it filled me with fear 🙁