Designers reimagine Illuminations

Two of the UK's most successful designers have created new displays for this year's Blackpool Illuminations.

Jack Irving, who was born in the town and has created "wildly-theatrical" outfits for Lady Gaga, has produced Astral Dreams, a laser show that will be projected on to the front of The Blackpool Tower building. It will be accompanied by a new soundtrack composed by local music composer and producer, George Cornes.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the Illuminations’ creative curator and long-time TV star, has re-imagined a spectacular water feature at South Beach, turning it into a drag-themed sound and light show, Venus Remixed.

Other new displays include a series of interactive light-based installations on the Tower Festival Headland, the return of the Spitfire Island and a recreation of a historic section of lighting that was first visited by royalty more than a century ago.

The displays will come to life when Shirley Ballas, head judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, undertakes the big switch on, on Friday 3 September.

For a second year, they will run through Christmas and into the New Year.

Jack said: “The Blackpool Illuminations are a huge part of my life and have been since I was a child as I grew up here. The lights were always such a huge driving inspiration behind my work so they mean so much to me.

“It's so incredible to work on this laser show and to be able to use the Blackpool Tower building as our canvas for the installation is amazing. The show is a journey through light and sound and a depiction of the abstract visions we have when we dream.”

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen added: “This year, perhaps more than any other year, switching on Blackpool’s Illuminations marks an important moment of brightness as the country moves into autumn and winter. Turning the lights on has always inspired an optimism and positivity of which Blackpool is understandably proud.”

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