Where to stay for the Blackpool Illuminations

The Blackpool Illuminations are a must see if you are spending time in the North West over the autumn and winter seasons.

You’ll no doubt have heard about Blackpool Rock and the Blackpool Tower. But the Blackpool Illuminations are arguably the jewel in the crown when people talk about the vibrant holiday atmosphere of this world-famous coastal town in North Lancashire.

And if you’re looking for a hotel stay for the Blackpool Illuminations, Lancaster House is a great place to start.

The Autumn showpiece – Blackpool Illuminations

The Blackpool Illuminations are close to the hearts of many families who have visited them each year from generation to generation. The display stretches six miles North to South down the entire promenade, with the Golden Mile generally featuring the latest innovations of the spectacle.

Blackpool Illuminations now extend through Christmas until the early new year. So families have the entire festive period to enjoy them.

With a quick 30-minute drive into the heart of Blackpool from Lancaster House Hotel, you are quickly in amongst the excitement! There are miles of seafront, bright lights, illuminated trams and a wide range of fun activities. It’s what makes the illuminations such a highly popular fixture in the Lancashire tourism diary.

How much does it cost for Blackpool Illuminations?

The illuminations represent the most famous free of charge light show on the planet! From September until the beginning of January, there’s the chance to see this fantastic world-renowned outdoor attraction.

You can choose to see the illuminations in the car, on foot or by bike. There are donation boxes on the prom if you would like to donate, but otherwise the spectacle is free.

History of the Blackpool Lights show

The Blackpool Illuminations started in 1879 with just one row of arc lamps mounted on poles along the promenade.

The first formal ‘switch on’ ceremony came in 1934. That heralded the change from the town’s summer holiday season to the quieter autumn period.

The lights were known as ‘artificial sunshine’ and were quite a curiosity as most homes at that time were lit by oil lamps and candles.

Nowadays over a million LED lights bring the Blackpool Illuminations to life. And there’s over 100 miles of light decorations festooned on the promenade roadside poles.

A crack team of electricians, engineers and technicians work throughout the year to get the display ready. They are supported by artists, painters and joiners to bring all the magic together.

With an Arts Lottery Award granted in 2021, new installations for Blackpool lights show innovations came on stream. This included a series of digital commissions to create new work for the Promenade, Blackpool Tower and St John’s Square. All of this is now a far cry from the original single row of arc lights!

Blackpool Lights switch on

Over the years celebrities and sports personalities of the day were invited to front the Blackpool Illuminations switch on. This became a big talking point in the lead up to the event each year.

There have been some unusual switch on guests. In 1969 an RAF Canberra Bomber triggered the switch, and in 1977 Red Rum and his jockey rode through a sensor to switch on the lights.

Further Blackpool Lights switch on gimmicks featured Frank Bruno pulling a giant tin can ring pull. Another year a huge oversized electric plug was placed into a giant socket. The Bee Gees lent their combined weight to push a giant plunger to switch on the lights in 1995.

Other notable Blackpool Lights switch on guests have included Robbie Williams, Shirley Bassey, Westlife and Kermit the Frog.

How long does it take to get through Blackpool Illuminations?

You can enjoy the carnival atmosphere from the comfort of your car. Be prepared for slow progress at peak times, but that’s the point. Take your time to immerse yourselves in the display and see everything.

Probably the best way to enjoy the Blackpool Illuminations is on foot. You can more freely meander and weave your way through the crowds of happy festival goers. And you have a better chance to stop and marvel at the creativity and ingenuity on display.

Spanning the length of the promenade, colourful festoon lights are displayed across the road and line the highway. Everywhere you look there are lights, from South Shore Pier up to Sandcastle Water Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, including the rides!