CONTRACTOR APPOINTED FOR EXCITING “LIGHTPOOL” ILLUMINATIONS PROJECT
14 July 2015
by Visit Blackpool
As announced in January, the resort’s world famous Illuminations display will this year be enhanced this year following a £2m cash boost from the Coastal Communities Fund.
With a further £420,000 being contributed by Blackpool Council contributing and public arts body LeftCoast, the £2.42m “LightPool” project will give a new lease of life to the flagship attraction by enhancing the display and creating new exciting new light shows, events and features across the town centre.
New state-of-the-art signage will be included at key sites, guiding people around town and leading them to the different installations and new Illuminations “ambassadors” will also be employed, supplemented by additional volunteers, to improve the visitors’ experience.
It is expected the project will lead to a significant increase in visitors.
As part of their bid, WarPro have joined forces with world renowned projection artist Ross Ashton and sound expert Karen Monid from The Projection Studio.
As well as working on the 2010 World Cup closing ceremony and the London 2012 Olympics, The Projection Studio has also worked on projects like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, at The Venetian Casino and Hotel, Las Vegas’ “Winter in Venice” festival and The Mayor of London’s 2013 New Year’s Eve celebrations.
More details on their exciting resume can be found at www.theprojectionstudio.com.
Together, they will work with Blackpool Council’s in-house Illuminations team to create stunning new displays.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of WarPro as our specialist contractor for the LightPool project.
“The company are digital projection experts and will work with The Projection Studio’s stunning artists and designers to produce large format artwork and 3D mapping onto the iconic buildings and their track record speaks for itself.
“I know our Illuminations team are really looking forward to working with them and seeing what they can produce.
“People are going to see some really exciting new features this year.”
And Ross Ashton added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Blackpool Council on the Blackpool Illuminations.
“The Illuminations in Blackpool are a unique British institution and part of the nation’s cultural heritage so we can’t wait to get started.
“We’ve got a wonderful canvas to use in the Golden Mile so our creative juices are flowing already.”
New attractions as part of the LightPool project will include:
• Digitally mapped projections onto the Blackpool Tower building, accompanied by a stunning soundtrack
• The Tower projection and audio show will continue from the Promenade to Brilliance on Birley Street and throughout the town centre creating a network of overhead digital festooning leading people into a new light and sound event space.
• A new artistic light installation at the Grundy Art Gallery throughout the Illuminations will create a day-time experience and open the Lights up to a new audience.
• New gateways at arrival points with illuminated kiosks and navigational signage.
The project will create:
• A minimum of 80 individuals receiving training including WorldHost customer care training, similar to that provided to London 2012 stewards to ensure a better visitor experience.
• Opportunities for volunteering
• 11 (full time equivalent) new jobs directly related to the scheme including two new apprenticeships to be based within the Illuminations department
• A predicted 532 indirect new jobs supported via additional visitor numbers and spend.