Lightpool Festival 2026

Lightpool Festival 2026 is Blackpool’s annual celebration of light! Enjoy free-to-see entertainment and a whole load of fun! It’s bigger, better each year. With ten days of fun to cover the half term holidays!

Enjoy an amazing programme of light-based art installations, lasers, stunning live performances, family-friendly activities, and 3D projection shows. The town’s most iconic landmarks will be illuminated by a breathtaking array of light installations, brought to life by the creative minds of talented artists from around the globe.

This year’s festival offers something for everyone. Featuring an impressive collection of national and international light installations, as well as the premiere of over 15 new artworks never before seen in the UK; this year’s event is set to be the most visually stunning Lightpool Festival yet!

FREE Lightpool Festival 2026

SAVE THE DATE! October half-term, 21 – 31 Oct 2026

• Visit light-based art installations,
• enjoy 3D projection shows,
• spectate or take part in parades,
• watch lasers and stunning live performances,
• take part in family friendly activities,
• learn a lot at educational sessions,
• marvel at local, national and international artists…
• and much more!

Don’t miss a thing. Get VFC newsletters direct to your inbox.

Sign up to receive interesting information, news & events every week

  By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms, conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Things to see at Lightpool Festival 2026

Blackpool will showcase another extraordinary illuminated wonderland of a festival of light over October half-term. With the Illuminations season in full swing, this year’s Lightpool Festival has been extended, thanks to funding from the Tourism BID. It will run over 10 nights between Wednesday 21 October and Saturday 31 October. Enjoy an extraordinary collection of national and international light installations.

The free-to-attend Lightpool Art Trail will see some of Blackpool’s most iconic buildings and outdoor spaces transformed. This festival has grown into one of the UK’s biggest and best.

Tower Projections 2026

Step into a magical world and experience the delightful charm of the Blackpool Tower Projection Shows. Let yourself be captivated by the enchanting display of lights, colours, and music that will transport you to an era full of vintage allure and soothing tunes.

• Details here of this years Lightpool Festival Tower Projection Shows

Live Performances & Events at Lightpool 2026

Watch this space – details to follow

Lightpool Art Trail 2026

Highlights from this year’s Art Trail include: …details to follow!

…of course the Tower & Golden Mile Lightshow!

Blackpool Tower is emblazoned with a glowing heart and 25,000 lights on the structure. In a sensational light show, the Tower and Golden Mile are brought to life with a sound and light spectacular.

Plus don’t forget this all happens at the same time…

• The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations,
• And the seafront festival village at Tower Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower.

More about Lightpool Festival

PHIL HOLMES – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LIGHTPOOL

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Lightpool Festival this October half-term, with the 2025 edition promising an extraordinary 18 nights of inspiration and creativity. Lightpool has consistently served as a canvas for some of the world’s most talented artists, allowing everyone to experience the power of great light art.

“With over 24 stunning artworks featured in our art trail – including 12 breath-taking new light installations – and 4 captivating performance events, this year is destined to be our most spectacular celebration yet.

“This achievement is only possible thanks to the incredible partnerships we’ve nurtured with Arts Council England, Blackpool Council, Tourism BID and our local arts organisations and businesses, all dedicated to enriching the community and creating lasting benefits for everyone involved.”

At Lightpool Festival 2023

Funding Boost for Lightpool

Did you see the news? Blackpool Illuminations became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) for the first time. And the designation comes with funding of almost £700k over the next three years!

A grant of £225k a year began in April 2023. This will allow the Illuminations team to develop the work of Lightpool, the award-winning light art festival held each October. It’s part of a £43.5m investment in Levelling Up by the Arts Council and around 900 organisations named within the new national portfolio.

Find out more about this funding boost here