Light show is '£300m boost to Blackpool'

BLACKPOOL’S famous winter light show has been credited with bringing a massive £300million boost to the town’s economy.

- BY CHRIS RICHES

The Illuminations first became an attraction in 1879 when the council devoted £5,000 to trialling electric street arc lamps along the seafront, at a time when residents still lit their homes with candles.

The awestruck public hailed the lights as “artificial sunshine”, and thousands flocked to see them despite the fact they would sometimes go out when the tide came in, as water seeped into the cast-iron wiring.

Now the Lancashire resort has revealed its 18-week light show from August last year to January this year injected £300m into its businesses, as two in every five visitors in the last third of 2025 came specifically to see the six-mile Illuminations.

Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said the footfall “brings real economic impact”, supporting local attractions, businesses, venues and creating jobs.

Cllr Williams, also cabinet member for tourism, arts and culture, added: “The Illuminations are one of the brightest jewels in Blackpool’s crown.

“They are truly unique, globally recognised and a defining part of the town’s identity and cultural heritage.