The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations have been one of the UK’s greatest visitor attractions for more than 100 years.

 
And the seafront show remains as compelling as ever thanks to new investment and innovation each year. 2018 sees the arrival of plenty – with new arrival points, exciting new features and a continuation of the stunning 3D projection shows on to the front of the Blackpool Tower building.

The main Illuminations display includes several new sponsored features.

New for 2018

Surf the Lightwave
Location: Comedy Carpet and the Cliffs

In collaboration with Lancaster University School of Computing and Communication, the Illuminations have created an illuminated surfboard that the public must surf to generate a light-wave to keep the illuminations shining!
 
Colour Choreography: displays of light, colour and rhythm!
Location: Various - see below

• Crazy Lights: (Freemantle Avenue to Abercorn Place)- introducing the first section featuring colour choreography.
• Mirror Ball: (opposite Solaris)
• Manchester Square: (Lytham Road)
• Mini Crazy Lights: (Rawcliffe Street-Waterloo Road)
• Spectromagic: (Derby Road to Gynn)
• North Arch: (Red Bank Road)

White Ribbon Tableau
Location: Cliffs

A new lightbox will feature in this year’s Blackpool Illuminations – White Ribbon. The White Ribbon campaign aims to raise awareness of violence against women in our communities and engage more men in the debate about the issues.

The tableau will feature the wording ‘Another World is Possible’ and will ask people to show their support for the campaign by wearing a white ribbon.

100 Years Tableau
Location: Blackpool Cenotaph (outside Blackpool North Pier)

This tableau will be commemorating Women’s contribution to both World Wars.

Circus-themed Roundabout
Location: Gynn Roundabout

This Circus-themed roundabout will be celebrating 250 years of Circus and its contribution to entertainment in Blackpool. 

Coming to Blackpool and looking to make the most of your stay? Save 45% on Blackpool's greatest attractions with the inclusive Blackpool Resort Pass!

For use over up to a seven-day period, this handy card will provide access to Blackpool's top attractions, which makes for memory-making fun for everyone, whether you're a family with young children, teenagers, or you're a couple looking to cuddle under the Lights. Bolt-on additional attraction tickets, transport, parking and stunning shows for a low price! 

Returning Favourites 

Genting Casino made a huge investment in 2017 in the form of a new road section featuring giant twinkling illuminated castles. Curated by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and working alongside our in-house designer Sarah Barton, this section has become a firm favourite for years to come.

The 2017 display also included the new Carlton Fountains in full 3D. These classic features combine tradition and modernity by combining old school manufacturing methods and the very latest LED lighting. This has been created through a partnership with the Best Western Carlton Hotel.

A special section in the Golden Mile is still home to New Bonny Street Market, a historic attraction featuring in the Illuminations for the second time, with a series of family friendly images and colourful lights.
 
A classic was reborn last year as the legendary ‘Fire and Water’ tableau has been reimagined as the ELGIN tableau. Completely refurbished for 2017, the tableau features a brand new lighting system and projected images.

Long-time sponsors also include Beach House Boulevard, Mandarin Lanterns, Bling, Star Trek, Dynamo, Ballroom Glitz, KRS Mirrorball arches, Art for Walls, McDonalds, Logo Lights and Head Lights.
 
Visitors to the Illuminations are greeted by an enhanced welcome experience at the north and south arrival points in order to encourage visitors to donate to the free attraction.

Blackpool Council continues to fund the Illuminations show, but increasingly it relies on donations from the general public or businesses. All donations received are reinvested into the design and creation of new displays and experiences for future generations.

If you would like to sponsor a section of the Illuminations in 2018, please contact Mark Gillingham via e-mail here or call 07990 084655.