Technology continues to add to Blackpool Illuminations

Modern technology is revolutionising the way people enjoy Blackpool Illuminations with two new and updated features set to supplement this year’s display.

And support for all the new features comes from shared projects making the improvements a real team effort from the community and supporters of the lights.

Returning for 2014 is “The Blackpool Experience” smartphone app which has been re-launched with a whole range of new features set to supplement people’s journey along the Promenade and throughout Blackpool.

Developed by Black Ridge Technologies and starring a host of cool characters which should really appeal to children, the app features mini-games and augmented reality experiences triggered by the giant markers found around the South Shore, Comedy Carpet and North Cliff areas.

The animated characters can give Apple and Android smartphone users a fun-filled guide to the Illuminations and the sea front area.

Links to discounts and promotions for Blackpool attractions are also available and on purchase of the app users will also get free entry into the Blackpool Pleasure Beach!

For a Youtube video of the app in action, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaBfYB3bcRU&feature=youtu.be and you can download the app by searching for The Blackpool Experience 2014 on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

VisitBlackpool have also created an infographic which displays the different zones of the Illuminations, explain the features along with some illumination facts. Take a look here…

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for tourism and leisure, who is responsible for Blackpool Illuminations, praised the community for contributing to the illuminations and showing their support.

He also stressed that times were tough for funding and more support was needed from the private sector to allow the display to remain a modern and constantly evolving attraction.

He said: “As we’ve been saying for a number of years now, if we want the illuminations to remain of a high quality and to continue to evolve and improve, we need further support from the private sector.

“We’ve increased the number of sponsorship opportunities available to business in recent years and we’ve already had some incredibly generous gestures of support such as the contribution we’ve received from BES Energy which helps to meet the cost of electricity.

“We also have the wonderful Friends of the Illuminations who are incredibly dedicated and do everything they can to help.

“We will be doing everything we can to source further support and encourage businesses to partner up with us to support this wonderful Blackpool institution and keep the town’s lights burning bright for many years to come.”