The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations have been one of the UK’s most endearing and enduring visitor attractions for more than a century. Thanks to new investment and innovation year after year, the seafront show remains as compelling as ever.
For 2022, the season will be extended for the third consecutive year, shining from 2 September - 2 January, 2023. Expect to see the largest 3D installation ever seen in the annual display and some captivating new features.
New features for 2022
Odyssey
Location: Tower Festival Headland
Introducing Odyssey, the biggest 3D installation in the Blackpool Illuminations to date. Odyssey has been created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a talented team of computer scientists from Lancaster University.
Standing almost 10 metres high, the installation comprises six large-scale structures that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive and interactive projection show themed on creatures from the deep sea.
Jack, who grew up in Blackpool and produced costumes for the Hot Ice show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, has since gone on to specialise in extravagant, wearable art sculptures and has created amazing costume designs for the likes of Lady Gaga.
He and the talented university team created the Odyssey concept in a competition to deliver a new installation for the Illuminations. The competition attracted designers from all around the world. Look out for further teasers on this incredible project and we look forward to the day you experience it in person.
The giant installation will be located on the Tower Festival Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower.
Blackpool Illuminations sponsors
Thanks to the generous support of our new and returning commercial sponsors and public donations, the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations continues to attract and entertain millions of visitors each year. Here is a list of new and returning sponsors for last year's display.
Returning sponsors for last year's display:
We are always proud to welcome back companies and organisations that have supported us financially and operationally over several years.
Affinity
Affinity’s third year with Blackpool Illuminations helps bring awareness to their Fleetwood-based outlet retail park, home to over 40 top fashion, footwear, homeware and beauty brands.
Barclaycard
In 2019, the public were encouraged to make cashless donations to support one of the UK’s most-loved free attractions. In collaboration with Barclaycard, fast contactless systems were introduced at kiosk collections points at the north and south gateways to the display.
Barclaycard’s support in agreeing a greatly reduced merchant charge enables us to receive the maximum amount of donations to help maintain our fantastic light show. Find out more about how you can donate to help the Lights shine for many years to come.
Blackpool Promotions
Blackpool Promotions returns for a third year with their border box feature in this year’s display.
City Fibre
Back for their second year after sponsoring the Lights in 2021, City Fibre, the UK's largest alternative provider of wholesale fibre network infrastructure, has their very own bespoke road section near Sandcastle Waterpark.
Coral Island
Location: Cliffs at North Shore
Ahoy me hearties! 2020 marked a particularly special year for one of the largest tableaux in the display. Thanks to sponsorship from Coral Island, the Pirate Tableau, a firm family favourite in the Blackpool Illuminations, has undergone a major refurbishment – or should we say had its timbers shivered? The main structural pieces have been rebuilt and the moving parts refurbished, giving them an extra spring of life.
For the third year running, Coral Island is a returning sponsor of the much-loved tableau.
Fylde Coast Women’s Aid
Fylde Coast Women’s Aid returns for a third year with their border boxes along the Promenade.
Hangar 42 Visitor Centre
Location: Gynn Roundabout
In the 2020 display, one of the replica Spitfires named Holly was placed as the centrepiece at Gynn Roundabout in a touching tribute to the Battle of Britain.
The Spitfire was refurbished and converted back into a Mark VB Spitfire by the Illuminations team in collaboration with Blackpool’s aviation museum, Hangar 42. The fighter plane is once again tastefully illuminated with sweeping search lights on Gynn roundabout.
Nickelodeon
Location: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Nickelodeon returns for another year with their family-friendly road section, featuring Spongebob and his pals next to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Northern Rail
2022 marks Northern's fourth year with their illuminated arches throughout the display.
Partingtons Holiday Parks
Location: Opposite Central Pier
We were pleased to welcome Partingtons Holiday Parks as a sponsor in the 2021 display. They are now returning for a second year with their blinging display of lights that wow spectators on foot or in the car.
Sooty and Friends
To honour the town’s friendship with Sooty, the Illuminations team created some additional features of Sooty, Sweep, Soo and Richard. For the fourth year running, these will appear across the roadway along the promenade in the form of 3D neon characters.
White Ribbon
The White Ribbon’s border boxes returns to this year’s Blackpool Illuminations to raise awareness of domestic abuse.