With an eye on attendance figures, the organisers of the International Exhibition of 1888 took care to ensure that there were popular attractions in addition to more “worthy” exhibits. The River Kelvin provided a natural boundary, with the less serious features situated on the right bank.
One of the most popular attractions was the switchback railway, pictured here in front of the recreation of the Bishop's Castle. This forerunner of the roller coaster was a great novelty. Items dropped from the carriages were retrieved by attendants below.
Other popular attractions included a shooting gallery, a captive air balloon and regular musical performances by bands, some from overseas. Sports events such as football matches, cycle racing and highland games were held in the University Athletics Ground nearby.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 606.4 (1888)
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries and Archives
Keywords:
Bishop's Castle, Bishop's Palace, exhibitions, International Exhibition, 1888, River Kelvin, roller coasters, switchback railways, University Athletics Ground
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