Guardians of the North

For 2025, the Blackpool Illuminations unveil Guardians of the North, a striking new installation by designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Replacing traditional seaside donkeys with three monumental dragons, this work draws on Lancashire’s rich myths and legends. Each dragon, perched atop medieval-style turrets, rises up to 7 metres.

Through a blend of advanced digital technology and classic Illuminations artistry, the dragons come alive: blinking, snarling, breathing smoke and enter into a dynamic dialogue with the iconic Blackpool Tower projection.

Visitors are invited to become part of the artwork itself: by scanning a QR code, they can select a dragon and watch it move across the surface of Blackpool Tower in a mystical projection, extending the narrative beyond the physical sculptures.

Opening Times

11 Sep 2025 - 04 Jan 2026

Timings differ in line with the nightly Switch-On times found here: https://www.visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations-and-lightpool/switch-on-times-(1)/

Ticket Pricing

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.