Blackpool launches new features for 2017 Illuminations

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations will include several new features, alongside the October half-term free festival of entertainment, including the first ever parade of Blackpool’s illuminated trams.

The main Illuminations display will run from 1st September to 5th November, with new additions including illuminated castles and fountains plus light shows in Bonny Street Market, amongst other features.

The Illuminations

The giant twinkling illuminated castles are the Illuminations’ biggest new investment, courtesy of Genting Casino.

Curated by Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, alongside designer Sarah Barton, the section is expected to become a favourite in the years to come.

In addition, inspired by the Illuminations archive, the 2017 displays will include the new fountains in full 3D.

These features will ‘combine tradition and modernity by bringing to life old school manufacturing methods and the very latest LED lighting’, which has been created through a partnership with the Best Wester Carlton Hotel.

What’s more, a special section in the Golden Mile will be home to Bonny Street Market, a historic attraction featuring in the Illuminations for the first time, with a series of family friendly images and colourful lights.

The classic ‘Fire and Water’ tableau will be completely refurbished for 2017, featuring a new lighting system and projected images.

Returning features

Returning features will include Beach House Boulevard, Mandarin Lanterns, Bling, Star Trek, Dynamo, Ballroom Glitz, KRS Mirrorball arches, Art for Walls, McDonalds, Logo Lights and Head Lights.

The LightPool programme also returns for a third successive year, along with the three major 3D mapping projection shows, combining fairytale, fantasy and fact, displayed every evening throughout the Illuminations on the Tower Buildings from the 4th September.

In addition, the LightPool Village will be located on the Comedy Carpet and the Festival@LightPool will be held on and around the Tower Festival Headland from 25th to 27th October.

For more information on Blackpool Illuminations and LightPool, you can go on www.visit-blackpool.com/illuminations or call 01253-478222.