Odyssey

Odyssey is a spectacular interactive display co-created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a highly-talented team of computer scientists from Lancaster University.

The full Odyssey experience, which has been manufactured at the Blackpool Illuminations Lightworks factory, and has taken more than two years to design and build will be exhibited during the extended Illuminations season which ends on January 2, 2023.

Standing at 11 metres high, the installation comprises six large-scale structures, known as ‘towers’, that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive and interactive projection show themed on undiscovered creatures lurking in the depths of the deep sea.

There are six towers in total with three varying designs based on sea gods from Greek mythology: Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Amphitrite. Aphrodite, the tallest of the three towers, is an impressive 7 metres wide, and 11 metres high!

The installation, which has been manufactured at the Blackpool Illuminations Lightworks factory, will be situated on the Tower Festival Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower, across from the newly-reimagined Golden Mile section.

You are in Odyssey’s full control when the compelling sequence commences approximately every 15 minutes and immerses you into a futuristic world. For the first ten minutes, experience real-time interactive projection mapping on the carpet and discover complex alien sea creatures as they swim, swirl and sway around your feet.

Anyone is free to participate and interact with the multi-sensory installation. Through advanced technology, no two experiences will be the same as the bespoke software maps individual movements and reflects back a customised projection, creating a unique and dynamic encounter for each person.  

Following the interactive element of Odyssey, the display gradually intensifies and culminates in a fierce five-minute battle between the towers, armoured with over 60 powerful lasers and a spine-tingling light show performance.

Step aside and gaze in wonder as the towers go head-to-head in jaw-dropping combat. Which tower will prevail and be crowned Alien of the Seas? All will be revealed when the full installation invades Blackpool from 18 November to the 2 January, 2023.

Five futuristic facts about Odyssey:

Over 10,000 lines of code were written to enable the interactive elements of Odyssey

In excess of 2,500 hours have been spent on developing the software, simulation and testing

Each tower contains a Panasonic 20,000 lumens projector, camera and machine learning software to detect interactions from visitors.

Over 32 tonnes of steel has been used in the construction of the towers

2,400 LED nodes and over 3,500 metres of LED lighting has been used in the display

*Odyssey is supported by the Towns Fund. The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for Levelling Up the UK economy. Towns across England are working with the Government to address their growth constraints, deliver economic benefits and improve the lives of people within their communities.

Opening Times

01 Sep 2023 - 01 Jan 2024

Ticket Pricing

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