Something BIG is coming to Blackpool! When we say BIG we mean that the new illuminations for 2022 are BIG!
Reimagining the Golden Mile
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has stepped in to save the Switch On Day as Johnny Vegas was forced to pull out. And it’s perfect timing for Laurence to get the opportunity this year. 2022 coincides with the unveiling of a dazzling makeover for the Golden Mile. He’s created a stretch of Art Deco-style features that will celebrate a golden age of 1930s glamour.
The 21 overhead light installations form a brand new section in front of The Blackpool Tower. Entitled Neo Neon each measures almost 14 metres in length. These installations are divided into three separate styles – arches, wings and fans. Together, they create a stunning new look on the resort’s best-known stretch of promenade.
Cllr Lynn Williams is Leader of Blackpool Council. She said: “Laurence is one of our greatest ambassadors. It’s fitting that he should pull the switch in a year when he’s completely reimagined how the Golden Mile will look during the autumn and winter seasons.”
New Illuminations for 2022 with Investment from the Towns Fund
Blackpool was one of the first of 101 towns in the UK to secure funding from the Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund. With the help of this support, funds were allocated to upgrade the Blackpool Illuminations. It will attract additional visitors by developing new features and lighting technology.
The newly-reimagined Golden Mile area is the first section of the Illuminations to benefit. The roadway section is entirely programmable, giving the Illuminations team full control of the lighting display.
Other features are still to be unveiled during this year’s Illuminations season and Lightpool Festival (October 14-29). Including the biggest ever standalone installation, Odyssey. It’s been co-created by international designer Jack Irving along with a team from Lancaster University.
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The new Beachside Boulevard is a seaside-themed roadside section. Look out for the brightly lit neon sandcastles and multi-coloured waves. Keeping to the seaside theme, watch out for two giant pixelated beach balls on the Tower Festival Headland. Each one stands more than seven metres tall, providing a spectacular walk-through experience!
Tribute to the England Team
A special tribute is to be paid to the all-conquering England women’s football team in this year’s Illuminations display.
The portraits of manager Sarina Wiegman and her 23-player squad will appear in lights in a new promenade display celebrating their amazing triumph over Germany in the European Championships final.
The team captured the nation’s hearts after a stunning victory at Wembley Stadium on July 31. And Blackpool said ‘well done’ by lighting the famous Blackpool Tower in red and white on the night of the game.
Now the resort’s Illuminations manufacturing team have gone a step further by creating a tribute that will remain in place for an extended four-month autumn and winter season.
It’s great that the Football Association has given Blackpool the go-ahead to celebrate the enormous legacy that they’ve created for women’s sport in this country.
Odyssey – New Illuminations for 2022
It was Spring 2022 when news of this BIG brand new installation was first released. Take a look at this video to find out more…
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The Switch On event on September 2 begins four months of illuminations – and the unveiling of the biggest installation ever!
Odyssey will stand almost a whopping 10 metres high. It comprises six large scale structures, combined with state-of-the-art technology. You’ll experience an immersive and interactive projection show, themed on creatures from the deep sea.
You’ll find the new installation on the Tower Festival Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower. Well actually you won’t be able to miss it!
Home Grown Talent
Blackpool-born Jack Irving has created Odyssey, in collaboration with a team of computer scientists from Lancaster University. Jack grew up in Blackpool and once produced costumes for the Hot Ice Show at the Pleasure Beach. He’s best known for designing wildly-theatrical stage outfits, such as those worn by Lady Gaga.
He and the University team created the Odyssey concept in a competition to deliver a new installation for the Illuminations. The competition attracted designers from all around the world! It’s also being built right here in Blackpool, at the amazing Illuminations Lightworks factory!
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