Blackpool Illuminations: A Journey Behind the Twinkling Lights
Imagine a place where you can witness three colossal jellyfish, a Dalek, and a flying bear all in one place. It's not a surreal dream, but a reality at the Blackpool Illuminations, a spectacle that has captivated audiences for almost 150 years.
Hidden behind the unassuming walls of a building near Blackpool Airport lies the creative hub where the magic happens. A dedicated team of just 35 individuals is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining this annual light display, a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation.
At the heart of this operation is a massive black cast iron drill, a relic from 1937, that still plays a crucial role in constructing the illuminations. Yet, it shares space with a state-of-the-art 3D printer, symbolizing the seamless blend of old and new.
"We don't purchase pre-made illuminations; we create everything from scratch," explains Richard Williams, the head of illuminations. This commitment to in-house manufacturing has been driven, in part, by the pressing issue of climate change. Designers have had to adapt the displays to withstand stronger winds while simultaneously reducing energy consumption to mitigate the very problem they aim to address.
Among the treasures within the storehouse is a beloved "heritage" illumination, Hickory Dickory Dock, a grand tableau depicting a mouse running up and down a grandfather clock. However, strong winds have caused significant damage to this iconic piece.
To combat this, the team has adopted a trellis design for the tableaux, allowing wind to pass through the gaps. "We've had to adapt more of the manufacturing process due to the increasing strength of winds caused by climate change," Williams notes, highlighting the challenges they face.
During yellow wind warnings, a dedicated team member is on call to address any falling lights, while amber or red warnings trigger staff patrols along the seafront. The Illuminations season, once spanning from late summer to early November, was extended to post-Christmas during the Covid pandemic to boost the local economy. This year, it runs until January 4th.
Many of the displays are decades old, but they are continually rebuilt, repurposed, and modernized. "We started investing in LED technology back in 1999, and we've reduced our power consumption by 85%, which is a significant achievement," Williams boasts.
"The benefits of this investment are evident, even in the last couple of years, as LED technology advances. We've managed to reduce our consumption by 1% annually, and this trend continues, making it a crucial aspect of our operations."
"Some of the illuminations are older than me," Williams remarks, emphasizing the emotional connection people have with these displays. "It's wonderful for parents and grandparents to revisit memories of the past."
When an illumination is retired, the team ensures that every element is utilized and reimagined. "We cherish the heritage," Williams says, "and we believe there's room for everything. We strive to strike the perfect balance between new and traditional designs."
Throughout the season, the lights are strategically rotated along the six-mile trail to encourage repeat visits, ensuring visitors can enjoy a different display each time. In recent years, the team has introduced more interactive elements, such as tunnels to walk through and baubles for memorable photo opportunities.
"Our goal is to encourage people to step out of their cars," Williams explains. "Walking is not only healthier but also more beneficial for our business and the local economy, as it provides opportunities for additional purchases, such as coffee. After all, we are an economic driver."
As Blackpool Illuminations approaches its 150-year milestone in 2029, Williams expresses his deep sense of honor and responsibility as a custodian of this beloved tradition. "I always envision leaving it in a better state than I found it, ready to be passed on to the next generation of custodians for the next 150 years."
Despite the proliferation of festive light trails in parks and tourist attractions across the country, Blackpool remains the original and, in Williams' view, the best. And the best part? It's entirely free, with public donations typically reaching £90,000 annually. "I believe we can confidently claim the title of the capital of light," Williams asserts.
When asked about the enduring appeal of the Illuminations over the next 150 years, Williams remains confident. "Tradition will always play a role," he says. "Even if people haven't seen them, they've heard of them."
