The Blackpool Illuminations are famous. Not just in the United Kingdom, but all over the world. The popular light show is an annual event, which has been going on for well over 100 years. It takes place in the traditional seaside resort on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. Always worth a visit, it attracts people from all over the country. If you fancy witnessing some incredible lights by the sea, you’ll need to know when the event next takes place. When are the Blackpool Illuminations 2023? Let’s take a look!
What Are The Blackpool Illuminations?
It all started way back in 1879 when Blackpool became the first town to have electric street lighting. Visitors came for miles to witness the eight arc lamps that lit up the Promenade. This was the beginning of the ultimate tag team of Blackpool and electric lights.
The first and closest thing to what we now know as modern-day fireworks displays took part in 1912. This was to mark and celebrate the royal visit to Blackpool by Princess Louise. It was so impressive, the council repeated the display later in the year.
The animated tableaux were added by 1932, you’ll see them on the cliffs between North Shore and Bispham. Sadly, the lights did not shine between 1939 and 1949 because of WW2 and the post-war climate.
The display was always 66 nights, however, in 2020 it was extended to four months. There are more than one million lamps involved in the display and more than 200 miles of cabling and wiring! Improvements are made year after year. The illuminations cost in excess of £2 million to stage, however, 3.5 million visitors will spend around £250 million when visiting during this season.
When Is The Switch On For The Blackpool Illuminations 2023?
The Blackpool Illuminations 2023 switch-on will take place on Friday 1st September. There is always a big event for the initial annual switch-on, starting the illuminations season. Expect to see plenty of famous musical acts getting the crowds going, they even stream it online now too! Previous personalities who have switched on the lights include Grace Fields, Gary Barlow, Cannon & Ball, Peter Kay, Tim Burton, the cast of Coronation Street, and even Red Rum!
You’ll find plenty of other things going on in Blackpool too, including Tower Projections, Christmas By The Seas, the Lightpool Festival, the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, and those classic Illuminated Tram Tours. This is alongside the famous Winter Gardens, Blackpool Tower ballroom, and Pleasure Beach! There is so much to see and do when you visit the Blackpool Illuminations 2023.
When Can You Visit?
Blackpool is a fun place to visit all year round, with its beaches, tourist attractions, and plenty of fish and chips! However, if you want to visit for the lights, you’ll need to wait until the switch-on in early September. The illuminations now stay on for around four months, throughout the autumn and winter months, until being switched off just after New Year’s Day.
The on-and-off times change depending on the day of the week and other factors. Including before or after the clocks have changed in autumn and if there is a special occasion. The earliest they turn on is usually 4:30pm and they occasionally stay on until 1am on specific days.
It is worth checking the times they are due to be on before travelling. These times are subject to change.
The Blackpool Illuminations 2023 times will be updated in the near future.
