An old postcard - vintage video of Blackpool Illuminations

What’s the History of Blackpool Illuminations?

Curious about the history of Blackpool Illuminations and how they came to be? They’re as much a part of Blackpool as sticks of rock and The Tower!

Our famous Lights all began with just one row of eight arc lamps on 60ft high poles along the seafront, known as ‘artificial sunshine’. People flocked to Blackpool to see them, they were such a curiosity.

Amazed onlookers must have been dazzled by the sight of them. It seems unimaginable now, but back in 1879 when the illuminations were originally founded, the world was a very different place. Don’t forget this was twelve months before the patent of the electric light bulb. Most homes at the time would be gloomy during dark nights – lit only by candles and oil lamps. People lived in a very dim and dreary world, compared to the one we live in now. Even public street lighting was a curiosity.

History of Blackpool Illuminations

Thank you once again to Nick Moore for some of the information about the early days of the Illuminations. Read his History of Blackpool here.

The First Blackpool Illuminations for a Royal Visit

The town celebrated when HRH Princess Louise, the Duchess of Argyll visited, on 2 May 1912. She came to Blackpool to open Princess Parade – the then new section of promenade between North Pier and Cocker Square.

Princess Louise visit to Blackpool in 1912 - History of Blackpool Illuminations
You can just see the first new illuminations at the left

10,000 light bulbs festooned the way as part of the celebration event. It was such a successful time that local businesses asked for it to be repeated later that year. The rest, as they say, is history!

Sadly there were breaks in the display for the two World Wars – and a hiatus for the Covid 19 pandemic. With 1912 regarded as the date when the illuminations proper first began, they celebrated their Centenary in 2012. Also the Diamond Jubilee Year of Queen Elizabeth II.

Here’s this bit of Blackpool promenade today –

The First Illuminated Trams

In 1925 the Lights stretched from Manchester Square to Cocker Square. It was also the year that the illuminated Gondola tram (below) made its appearance.

At that time the Illuminations lasted for 31 days.

Gondola Tram, Tuck Postcards, History of Blackpool Illuminations
Gondola Tram, Tuck Postcards

By 1925 it was also apparent that the new illuminations were very successful. So in 1926 the whole promenade was lit up for the first time, from the Pleasure Beach to Gynn Square. The Jubilee Lifeboat tram was also launched to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Borough of Blackpool.

  • A few years later, in 1929, the three Blackpool piers were lit up.
  • The tableaux on the Cliffs made their first appearance in 1930.
  • In 1932, after a break for World War One, the route was extended again to the as today, including the animated tableaux at North Shore.
  • In 1939, there was a second break in the annual event because of World War Two.
Floral Arch, part of the Blackpool Illuminations, Tuck Postcards, History of Blackpool Illuminations
Floral Arch, part of the Blackpool Illuminations, Tuck Postcards

The Role of Switch On in the History of Blackpool Illuminations

The Big Switch On is a huge annual event in its own right.

Lord Derby, a Freeman of the Borough of Blackpool, performed the first ceremony in 1934. Over the years, many famous names have performed the esteemed task. The roll call of switch on stars is a who’s-who of popular artists through history.

Blackpool Tower and Central Promenade seen illuminated in this Tuck Postcard, part of the History of Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool Tower and Central Promenade seen illuminated in this Tuck Postcard

New Displays

Each year the Blackpool Illuminations showcases something new.

In 1934 the Cliffs tableaux were extended and The Blackpool Tower fully illuminated for the first time. Lights now shone round all four sides and the top.

It’s good to see that little changes about the British weather! It’s said to have been raining for 37 of the 38 nights of the Lights in 1934! Just as today, it didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm for the show.

The early Swan Lake Tableau at Blackpool Illuminations, Tuck Postcards, part of the History of Blackpool Illuminations
The early Swan Lake Tableau at Blackpool Illuminations, Tuck Postcards
Decorative canopy, part of the Blackpool Illuminations, Tuck Postcards, part of the History of Blackpool Illuminations
Decorative canopy, part of the Blackpool Illuminations, Tuck Postcards

Everyone’s Favourite Throughout the Years

Over the years the Blackpool Illuminations are a favourite late summer/autumn attraction for millions of people.

They’ve changed with the times and seen new technology come and go. They’ve stood the test of time, the harsh weather and many a storm.

Old Blackpool Illuminations at the Pleasure Beach, part of the more recent history of Blackpool Illuminations
Old Blackpool Illuminations at the Pleasure Beach, part of the more recent history of Blackpool Illuminations

Old Photos, Film and the History of Blackpool Illuminations

Interested in the more recent history of Blackpool Illuminations? You’ll enjoy this gallery of photos from the mid to late 1900’s.

Find out more about old Illuminated Heritage Trams from the past. Including ones that are no longer running.

We’ve also picked out some amazing videos and film for you to watch, from through the years.

Check out our ‘Old Blackpool Illuminations’ Pinterest Board.

History of Blackpool Illuminations photos on Pinterest
Old Blackpool Illuminations photos on Pinterest

The Friends of Blackpool Illuminations

Businesses at North Shore held a meeting in October 2011 to discuss proposed cuts to the Illumination Fund.

The concern was that cutbacks to the fund and displays would have a hideous affect on North Shore businesses. (Rumour had it that the Illuminations route was to be shortened, to end at Gynn Square). Attendees discussed how, between them, they could help to boost support and donations for the department.

The meeting made the local and regional news. MP’s and representatives from all over Blackpool attended and put forward their concerns and ideas.

Working Together to Help

Then head of the illuminations, Richard Ryan, and Alan Cavill were present to answer questions. ‘The North Shore Forum’ formed from this meeting. The aim and objectives of the group were to support Blackpool Council and the Illuminations fund. To help to maintain and hopefully improve the quality of the ‘Greatest free light show on Earth’.

Several meetings took place before Gary Pretty (then Chair of the Blackpool Combined Association) asked the members of North Shore Forum to consider changing the group name. It went to vote and from January 2012 became known as ‘Friends of the Illuminations’.

The illuminations department at that time had a newsletter and Facebook page in the name of ‘Friends of Blackpool Illuminations’. The groups merged into one. With the same outlook, aims and principles, it made sense.

A Patron for Blackpool Illuminations

In March 2012 Laurence Llewelyn Bowen agreed to be Patron for Blackpool Illuminations. Laurence is still involved to this day (2023). Others volunteered to be Ambassadors, representing North and South shore sectors.

The Illuminations are paramount to the tourist industry and economy of Blackpool. They extend the season, create footfall and significant income when other UK seaside towns are no more than ghost towns.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the bottom line is money. The bigger and better the show, the more visitors it attracts. Year-on-year the Illuminations are the number one reason for people to visit Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. Without more funding, the team are unable to improve on what they have, just maintain it.

Without progress, the Illuminations stare at the slippery slope of decline, so if you feel able to help the Illuminations, please do so.

Here at Visit Fylde Coast we enjoyed being an active part of the Friends of Blackpool Illuminations. We’ve done our part to help the show to go on. Have you?

How Lightpool Festival Began

In 2015, Blackpool Council secured a £2m Coastal Communities grant. Along with contributions from Blackpool Council and LeftCoast this provided funding for Lightpool Festival for the first two years.

It includes a series of shows, exhibitions and entertainment, along with the new projection shows on the front of The Blackpool Tower.

Blackpool Tower building lit up at night when LightPool started
Blackpool Tower building lit up at night back in 2015. Mote the scaffolding was still on the Tower then!

A new October Festival for Blackpool

New attractions included:

  • Digitally mapped projections onto the Blackpool Tower building
  • A new artistic light installation at the Grundy Art Gallery throughout the Illuminations. To create a day-time experience and open the Lights up to a new audience.
  • New gateways at arrival points.
  • The new Festival at October half term, with live street entertainment
  • Resort Ambassadors to help people in town

The purpose of this funding was to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto the streets of Blackpool. Not just to explore the promenade, but other areas too, including the town centre.

It was very successful and it’s now Lightpool Festival is a regular feature of the Blackpool Illuminations.

LightPool Digital Projection Show the Tower. Find out about the Blackpool Illuminations
LightPool Digital Projection Show onto the Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Illuminations Today

Discover the Blackpool Illuminations of today in the pages of this website. It’s part of the Visit Fylde Coast family. But nothing beats a walk along Blackpool promenade on an autumn evening, gazing up at the twinkling Lights!

Blackpool Illuminations today - tomorrows history of the Blackpool Illuminations
Blackpool Illuminations today – tomorrow’s history of the Blackpool Illuminations

While you’re here…

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