Celebrating the “Brilliance” of poetry!
6 October 2015
by Visit Blackpool
A series of gripping performance poetry readings are set to light up Blackpool’s “Brilliance” arches on Birley Street on Thursday (8 October).
The event, which marks National Poetry Day, is the latest event in Blackpool Illuminations’ new LightPool project, which is revolutionising the display with new creative content and shows throughout the town centre.
It will see a series of poets – John Simpson Wedge, Lisa Bower, Mark Grist, CJ Heyworth and Steve Stroud – read their works out live via the arches audio system, filling the streets with words and images.
The performances are entirely free and take place throughout the afternoon and early evening.
LightPool is funded through a £2m grant from the Coastal Communities Fund along with contributions from Blackpool Council and LeftCoast.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We’ve got a number of exciting events taking place throughout October as part of LightPool.
“The National Poetry Day event is the ideal way to mark the occasion and a fantastic showcase for some of our talented local performers as well as poets from further afield.”
Artistic Director of LeftCoast, Michael Trainor, said: “We’ve got some really exciting poets on the bill who will challenge the traditional view of what the art form is all about.”
“Slam poetry is becoming more and more popular all the time so on the 8 October, be sure to join us as poetry goes street. It is also the perfect accompaniment to an outdoor lunch at one of Birley Street’s eateries.”
And Coastal Communities Minister Mark Francois said: “I am delighted we have been able to support Blackpool Illuminations’ through a £2m grant from the Coastal Communities Fund.
“This investment will help boost the local economy and the Northern Powerhouse. We are committed to help drive investment in the north and helping our seaside communities thrive.”
The event follows the first exciting LightPool event – Strictly Night Cycling – on Friday and Saturday evening.
Described as “ballet on bikes”, performers wowed the crowds with dance and physical theatre, comedy and striking soundtracks.
The next events will take place Friday 9 October with LightWeight Theatre’s live animation display and Saturday 10 October with Spark!, a fun lighting design show.
Circus acts and street artists will perform on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, while illuminated umbrella parades will lead people from the Promenade in to Birley Street on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.
The festival of acts will finish with two special live music sessions on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
Performers will take over the street to play popular tracks to a crowd at Brilliance.
All the events will be free to attend, although some of the Brilliance sessions will require booking.
For more details and performance times, visit www.visitblackpool.com/lightpool.
For more information on Blackpool Illuminations, visit www.visitblackpool.com/illuminations