00:00It represented more than just a stunning piece of architecture.
00:04It's under a statement of confidence, a signal that Portsmouth was looking upwards and outwards
00:08and embracing a maritime heritage history while steering toward a bold and exciting future.
00:17It's been two decades. Can anybody believe it's been two decades?
00:21And over the last two decades, Spinning the Tower welcomed more than five million visitors
00:26from across the UK, from across the world, and every one of them has come to experience
00:31the views, the stories, and the magic that the tower offers.
00:35From family celebrating milestones to couples getting engaged 100 metres above the harbour,
00:40the schoolchildren have seen their city for the first time from a very, very different perspective.
00:45Every visit adds to the living story of this remarkable place.
00:50And for some, that experience has been very bold and very brave.
00:53Over 50,000 sommels have dangled themselves on a rope outside the tower and stepped over
00:58the edge to see the city from a very different perspective that I'm sure few will ever forget.
01:02And we know that their activities have raised well over a million pounds for good causes.
01:08But numbers only play part of the story.
01:11What truly makes the spinning tower special are the people you all here today.
01:15Our dedicated team, past and present, whose passion and professionalism have made the landmark
01:20so much more than just an attraction.
01:23This year's is a wonderful milestone, but it's just the beginning, really.
01:28The spinning tower will keep rising above the harbour, welcoming visitors, challenging expectations,
01:33and reminding us all of what can be achieved when a community believes in itself.
01:37So tonight, as we reflect on everything that we've accomplished together,
01:42and look forward to everything yet to come, I invite you to raise your glasses.
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