Everything you need to know about the Blackpool Illuminations 2022. It’s one of Blackpool’s biggest events attracting thousands to the waterfront to see the illuminations switched on. Similar to last year, the lights will be turned on at the beginning of September and stay on through to the start of January 2023.
When did Blackpool lights turn on?
1879. The first set of Illuminations were introduced when Blackpool Council devoted the sum of £5000 to experiment with the concept of electric street lighting, starting off with eight arc lamps on 60ft poles along the seafront.
Are Blackpool lights still on 2022?
Save the dates – Blackpool Illuminations will be shining from 2 September, 2022 – 2 January, 2023.
Who turned Blackpool lights on 2022?
designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
Switch-On 2022
TV celebrity and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen pulled the famous switch at the end of the live concert and triggered four months of illuminations in the resort.
Who turned Blackpool Illuminations on?
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
For the 2022 Blackpool Illuminations display they will be on from 2nd September 2022 until 2nd January 2023.
List of switch on hosts.
| Year | |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Lucy Fallon |
| 2020 | A group of Britain’s Coronavirus NHS Heroes |
| 2021 | Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas |
| 2022 | Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (replacement for Johnny Vegas) |
Who switched on Blackpool Illuminations in 1977?
Red Rum
Red Rum was renowned for his jumping ability, not falling in an incredible 100 races. Red Rum appeared at the Blackpool Illuminations Switch On following his ‘treble’ winning of the Grand National in 1977.
Are Blackpool lights always on?
Blackpool Illuminations are usually on for 66 nights. However, the 2022 display will run throughout the festive season for the third consecutive year from 2 September – 2 January 2023.
Is Blackpool open in February 2022?
It re-opens on Saturday, February 12. It’s then open every Saturday and Sunday in February and March before opening fully at the beginning of April.
Where do Blackpool lights end?
Explore the Tableaux displays here
It’s known as the Cliffs because it’s the only steep drop in an otherwise flat Blackpool seafront! You can walk alongside them to Red Bank Road at Bispham. There’s another Welcome Arch at the end of the Lights at Red Bank Road – after that the street lights return to normal.
Do they turn Blackpool lights off at night?
Promoted Stories. From then on, the lights are generally switched on at 8pm and turned off at 10.30pm. On weekends they remain on until midnight on Saturday and 11pm on Sunday.
How did Red Rum switch on Blackpool Illuminations?
Through the years huge celebrities have been present to turn on the lights including George Formby in 1953, Jayne Mansfield in 1959, Matt Busby in 1968 and surprisingly Red Rum in 1977! Yes, the legend himself had a specially adapted pedal created for him so that when he stood on it the lights switched on in Blackpool.
How old are the Blackpool lights?
The beginning of the Illuminations
Holidaymakers first tripped the lights fantastic in Blackpool in 1879 when just 8 arc lamps bathed the Promenade in what was described as artificial sunshine…
Can you drive through Blackpool Illuminations?
Can you drive through Blackpool Illuminations? It is possible to drive through the Illuminations, but expect this to be slow!
Why did Blackpool decline?
Decline. Like many other UK coastal resorts Blackpool suffered a decline in tourist numbers. This was due to: foreign travel to the Mediterranean growing in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s due to its more reliable hot weather and sandy beaches.
Who invented Blackpool?
A man named Henry Banks developed Blackpool in the early years of the century. He erected new buildings. His work was carried on by his son-in-law, a man named John Cocker. However, in 1801 Blackpool had a population of less than 500.
Did the Blackpool Tower Fall?
But, thanks to a unique design and some clever construction, in the unlikely event that The Blackpool Tower ever did fall down, it would fall into the sea rather than the buildings around it.
Why was Blackpool popular in the 1950s?
In the 50s, it was the central area for tourism: holidaymakers could enjoy rides on donkeys, beauty competitions, ice creams and fortune tellers. Footage of the busy streets are available to watch thanks to amateur films, showing people dancing and enjoying the sunset from the Golden Mile.
Who was the first person to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations?
Switch On. Each year the opening night of the Illuminations, The Big Switch On, held in a specially erected arena with a celebrity pulling a switch to turn on the six miles of lights. The first switch on ceremony was held in 1934 when Lord Derby flicked the switch to turn on the Illuminations.
When did Blackpool Tower set on fire?
Lytham & St. Annes on the Sea Lancashire – Local History – Blackpool Tower Fire 1897.
How much electricity does Blackpool Illuminations use?
The lights are supported by more than 1,500 poles. 20. Electricity consumed totals 960,000 units, at an approximate cost of £50,000.
How much does it cost for Blackpool lights to be on?
There are more than 500 designs and features in the eclectic display. Blackpool Illuminations is a free show.