TURTON Tower is giving brides the chance to live out their dreams of having a fairytale wedding.

The Grade II-listed building, built 600 years ago, will be the magical setting for weddings next year to boost income.

A civil ceremony wedding licence recently award-ed to the tower means that up to 250 guests can be catered for in fully-furnished marquees.

Chandeliers, fairy lights and a marquee on the lawn will be available between July and August 2012.

Judith Seery, who runs the Victorian Tea Room and who is behind the initiative, said: “There have been one or two very low-key weddings years ago, but nothing like this where we offer the full package and the wedding party can use the front lawn.”

Judith has previously worked in events management for Live Aid creator Bob Geldof’s company Ten Alps, and assures brides-to-be that their weddings will be “extremely profes-sional.”

She said: “It will be co-ordinated seriously and professionally – they’re getting Bob Geldof’s events co-ordinator!

“And because it’s only for a limited period each year, it will be very exclusive, unlike other venues that are open year-round.”

The building is currently managed by Blackburn with Darwen Council at a cost of £140,000 per year.

Judith added: “We’re trying to do our bit to keep funding coming to Turton Tower.

"Everyone is having their money cut, and we’re no different.

"We also wanted to give something back to the community.”