Throughout October
Blackpool
Blackpool Illuminations

When we were kids, even if you lived in the very south of England, you would still have heard of the wonders of the Blackpool Illuminations.
They first started in 1879 when they were described as “artificial sunshine” and in fact were just eight arc lamps which bathed the Blackpool Promenade in light. When you realise this was well before most homes had electricity, it is easy to imagine the sensation it caused at the time. By the years leading up to the first World War the lights had increased dramatically until the Promenade was festooned with around 10,000 light bulbs. Apart from war years since then, the illuminations went from strength to strength and today the town runs several events associated with the lights until they are switched off late autumn.
This year the 10 kilometre long water front Promenande is lit with over one million light bulbs and they have come a long way from those humble beginnings. There is now every kind of light display there you can think of, with lasers, neon lights, fibre optics, searchlighting and floodlighting, plus certain set pieces and special designs. There are special trams to tour the lights and some of these are even decorated and lit to add to the overall spectacle.
For this year, there is also a brand new indoor attraction as well, Illuminasia. This has been created by over 50 Chinese craftsmen and women and features six special zones such as the Wonders of the World, The Blackpool Experience and the Mysteries of China.
There are lots of special accommodation deals during October, and more information is available at:
http://www.blackpool-illuminations.net
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