New LightPool projection ready for bumper half-term

Blackpool’s spectacular new Tower projection show has been launched as the resort gears up for one of its busiest weeks of the year.

Following the success of the first projection show, which launched in September to great acclaim, a new commission has been produced which celebrates Blackpool’s reputation as the home of dance.

Both shows are free to view each night throughout the October half-term week before the curtain comes down at the end of the Illuminations on November 8.

The displays use cutting edge mapping technology to project high definition films on to the front of the Blackpool Tower building, providing a sound and visual experience like nothing ever witnessed before in the world-famous Illuminations.

The second new 10-minute show features the Wurlitzer organ, as well as the first ever piece of music recorded at Blackpool Tower Ballroom and larger-than-life clips of dancers from the resort’s very own Funny Girls. It also celebrates Blackpool’s place as the spiritual home of ballroom dancing.

There is even an opportunity for the audience on the promenade to join in an unforgettable dance routine with the Comedy Carpet becoming a real-life dance mat and direction on the steps projected in front of you.

The free shows form part of this year’s new LightPool programme, which has been funded by more than £2m of Coastal Communities funding, supported by Blackpool Council and LeftCoast.

Other elements of the programme include a new light installation at The Grundy Art Gallery, new town centre festoons, shows under Brilliance on Birley Street arches, and the deployment of more than a dozen resort ambassadors.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “There is no doubt that the LightPool project has transformed this year’s Illuminations.

“LightPool was designed to encourage people out of their cars and into the town centre to help boost the local economy. The Tower projection is absolutely fantastic and it is so wonderful to see crowds of people stood on the Comedy Carpet every evening watching the show.

“We are expecting the half-term holiday to be busier than ever with people coming to see the new projection show that went live this week.

“I would encourage anyone that hasn’t seen it to visit Blackpool and take a look. From the cheers and applause that I’ve heard the evenings I’ve watched the show, I know people won’t be disappointed.

“There will also be plenty to see in the town centre with LeftCoast events taking place under the Brilliance arches on Birley Street and a special LightPool themed exhibition at the Grundy Art Gallery.”

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.”

Last year 3.5 million visits were made to Blackpool between September and October, with more than half of those people citing the Illuminations as the main reason for their visit.

Tower Projection

Shows will be projected every half hour on evenings during October half term. The full list of Tower projection show times can be found at www.visitblackpool.com/illuminations.

One of the most popular features is the LightPool i-studio that gives people a chance to be part of the Illuminations with their image projected onto the Tower building. The i-studio is open every night costing £2 per person.

Month of Brilliance

For the last three weeks Birley Street has come alive at night with LeftCoast commissions of spectacular art performances. With two weekends left there is still plenty to enjoy.

Friday 23 October and Saturday 24 October

Join us on the Comedy Carpet for an exciting illuminated performance and parade with Cirque Bijou and 70 illuminated umbrellas

You’re invited to take part in the performance, led by Ballet Rambert choreographer Kati Codogno and students from Blackpool College

7:15pm Cirque Bijou performance on Comedy Carpet

7:25-7:50pm parade through town centre

7:50-8:05pm performance on Birley St

Friday 30 October – Brilliance Sessions

3pm – 8pm

An array of local musical talent will fill Birley Street with live music and excitement. This FREE event will see artists including James Edgar, Ash Parkinson, Fugitive Orchestra , Louise Spiteri, Stacey McClean, April Keen and Leoni Jane Kennedy performing.

Grundy Art Gallery
As part of the LightPool project, the gallery presents ‘Sensory Systems’, a substantial new exhibition bringing together works by internationally acclaimed artists interested in the technology and science of light and how this can be deployed and shaped to affect our perceptual experience of space.

For the half–term holiday there are a range of activities taking place with everything from digital mapping lessons for youngsters to puppet making.

Next Saturday 31 October artist Mike Chavez Dawson will also host an illuminated performance spectacular in the gallery, playfully drawing out themes from the ‘Sensory Systems’ exhibition with actors wearing costumes that light up designed by Coronation Street designer Tracey Cliffe. Performances will take place at 3pm and 6pm, lasting 20 minutes, with tickets available on the door for £4.