Illuminating facts

Did you know?

• The Illuminations started with a display of eight arc lamps back in 1879.
• The event was so innovative it even preceded Thomas Edison’s patent of the humble electric light bulb which didn’t arrive until the following year.
• In 1879 the Illuminations were described as artificial sunshine and 100,000 people came to see this first great light show.
• The equipment weighs more than 711,000 kilograms which is equivalent to 350 Blackpool trams.
• Illuminations have been sold to Jeddah.
• There are over a million lamps in the display.
• In 1939 the lights were erected but never switched on because of the outbreak of war.
• In the 1960's electronic controllers were pioneered in the Illuminations. Rope light or "linear light" as it was originally known was also pioneered here.
• Most of the display now operates on low voltage eg.24v.
• Cable and wiring in the display stretches more than 200 miles.
• The Illuminations cost £2.2 million to stage.
• The equipment itself is worth about £10 million. 
• Wind turbines at the Solarium on New South Promenade contributed to powering the llluminations for the first time in 2004.
• In 2002 the display included a world’s first in exterior LED technology.
• The army of visitors will spend more than £275 million while visiting the resort during the Lights.
• 30 staff, which include Artists, Electricians, Joiners Mechanics, Painters and Engineers, work all year round to ensure the displays are ready on time
• Altogether 65,000 staff hours are used on maintenance, preparation, erection, operation and - finally - dismantling the features, fixtures and fittings.
• The Lightworks facility, which replaced the old Rigby rd depot in 2010 is a modern purpose built home for the lights.