Blackpool Illuminations launched for 2017

Laser beams and pyrotechnics lit up Blackpool Promenade as the resort celebrated the switch-on event of the 2017 Blackpool Illuminations season.

Dance group Diversity and Star Trek TV star Jason Isaacs headlined the event, which included lights, fireworks and confetti to kick-start 66 nights of illuminations at the seafront.

Dubbed "the first intergalactic Switch-On", it was coordinated with Netflix and CBS to promote the release of the next new Star Trek series later this month.

Earlier in the evening, Conor Maynard, Sigala, R3wire & Varski, and the MTV Base Garage Anthems show performed on stage. Once the Switch-On ceremony was over, Example and DJ Wire headlined an hour-long party under the Lights.

Meanwhile, celebrity TV presenter Laurence Llewellyn Bowen surprised guests at Blackpool’s Best Western Carlton Hotel by launching a bespoke illuminations display for the North Shore hotel.

Laurence, who is well known for his creative flair and his love of Blackpool, had been working on a top secret project with the hotel and the Illuminations team, to produce a set of unique light sculptures as part of this year’s Blackpool Illuminations.

The project has been a significant investment by Starboard Hotels, owners of The Best Western Carlton and will run over a three year period.

“Beyond beautiful” is how Laurence describes the 4-metre high art deco inspired fountain lights he has helped create for a display commissioned by the hotel. For the first time ever, the Best Western Carlton now has its own illuminations display.

Richard Ryan, head of Blackpool Illuminations who has worked closely with the hotel team said: “This is the first time in the Illuinatioons history that a Blackpool hotel has had lights of it own and the first time the designs have been inspired by looking back into the lluminations archive for inspiration. We are all pleased with the results.”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, added: “A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to produce another memorable Switch-On event and it is quite remarkable that we are now working in partnership alongside global brands such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Netflix and CBS.

“The whole event provided a magnificent spectacle to launch the 2017 Illuminations season.”