Businesses back 2017 Illuminations

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations will boast a number of new displays thanks to the support of local businesses.

The main Illuminations display, which runs from September 1 to November 5, will include several new sponsored features and during October half-term there will be a free festival of entertainment featuring the first ever parade of Blackpool’s world-famous illuminated trams.

The biggest new investment comes courtesy of Genting Casino in the form of a new road section featuring giant twinkling illuminated castles, curated by Laurence Llewelyn Bowen working alongside  in-house designer Sarah Barton.

Janine Marshall, general manager of Genting Casino Blackpool, said: “The Illuminatiosn is an iconic annual attraction for the town of Blackpool, which people travel from all over the country to experience. We very much look forward to being a part of the festivities this year, and to sharing Genting’s own exciting illumination for all to see.”

Inspired by the huge Illuminations archive, the 2017 display will include the new Carleton Fountains in full 3D, combining old school manufacturing methods and the very latest LED lighting, created through a partnership with the Best Western Carlton Hotel.

Kerian Barnes, operations director at Starboard Hotels, said: “We have really enjoyed working with the Illuminations team on such a unique project. Working in association with Laurence Llewellyn Bowen has been a brilliant experience for our team and our guests, many of whom have been visiting the hotel for years and are looking forward to seeing the new light show.”

LightPool, which proved a hugely popular addition to last year’s Illuminations display, is aimed at re-inventing the Illuminations display by getting visitors out of their cars to experience the show in a different way, including live music and 3D Projections.

Coun Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We’ve got an incredible Illuminations display lined-up this year and I’d like to thank our sponsors for their continued support in the attraction.

"With the addition of the LightPool projections and the Festival@LightPool to look forward to it’s never been a better time to come and visit, with so much on offer to our visitors, I would urge people to come see the lights and even make a short break of it.” Blackpool Council continues to fund the Illuminations show, but increasingly it relies on donations from the general public or businesses. All donations received is reinvested into the design and creation of new displays and experiences for future generations.