It was before the First World War that Blackpool had it’s first Illuminations on an organised scale. However, in 1925, “The Lights” went on in earnest, extending the summer season by several weeks and providing a fine excuse for another nostalgic peep at Blackpool before the winter. The Autumn Illuminations were revived on a scale much grander than pre-war. Crowds flocked in to see this fairyland spectacle which extended the season well on into October and eclipsed the attractions of all other British seaside resorts.
Thanks to Hitler, Blackpool Illuminations were suspended again in 1939 when Blackpool shed her gay, mad, multi-coloured look of peace and almost overnight became a drab reception centre for uniformed men and homesick evacuees. The famous “Lights” had gone out with a vengeance.
The Royal Lancashire Show came to Blackpool in 1949 and, in the autumn of that year, the Illuminations were re-introduced on a more lavish scale than ever before. Millions came by road and rail for this great post-war spectacle. People came from all parts of the British Isles on an annual pilgrimage to this six mile stretch of winking, multi-coloured lights and illuminated tableaux.
There was an intense rivalry for years between Blackpool and Morecambe in the magnificence of their Illuminations but, by 1953, Morecambe had lost the battle. That year, the weekly paper at Morecambe, the Visitor, had to admit: ‘We cannot hold a candle to Blackpool.’
Even in those days there were 300,000 lamps, 75 miles of cable and 50 miles of festoon strips in the Blackpool Illuminations. The Illuminations Department of 160 had really worked their imaginations. Every lamp post was decorated with lights – Disney characters, weeping willows and winking bulbs. Colour, movement and ingenuity created a charm and magnetism hard to forget. There were large working tableaux, the most spectacular of which was a circus over 60 feet long in which every figure moved. The signs of the zodiac winked at you. Large illuminated models of crabs, lobsters, sea-horses and mermaids crowded the promenade. There were model stained glass windows of the first Queen Elizabeth and our present Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Cornwall and Princess Anne with the signatures of the two Queens underneath. Giant models of nursery rhyme characters loomed at you. The variety was unlimited for the entire stretch of promenade.
The Blackpool Illuminations have gone on ever since, extending Blackpool’s summer season by several weeks. The Lights are bigger, better and brighter as each year passes. It seems incredible to think that people have been enjoying the spectacle for so many years. The attraction of the lights is as popular as ever and modern technology is constantly helping to make the experience even more amazing. A visit to the Illuminations proves to be unforgettable and is enjoyed by everyone – both young and old alike. The Illuminations usually run throughout September and October each year. As well as the lights, there are lots of Blackpool shows to keep you entertained along with all the other attractions that Blackpool has to offer.