For a total of 66 days each year the town of Blackpool plays host to a wonderful display of lights, that measures a full 6 miles or 10km’s long. First started in 1879 and still running annually, the Blackpool Illuminations are a wonderful sight to see for any house sitter and the event will be remembered for years to come. This stunning display runs from the famous Promenade at the south end of the town, all along to Bispham in the north.
Blackpool sits on the coast in the North West of England and has been a prominent coastal town since the 1840’s, when the railways first reached it. Still famed today for its cheap and cheerful seaside holidays and miles of sandy beaches, Blackpool remains popular with tourists from all over the world and has a wide variety of attractions suitable for all ages.
At a time of the year when many other seaside towns are slowing down for the winter, Blackpool is playing host to the many visitors who come to see the illuminations, or ‘Lights’ a they are known locally. From the last week in August to the first week of November the illuminations draw scores of tourists and provide a rich and enjoyable spectacular that people of all ages can see. Usually opened with great ceremony, the lights have become a firm feature in Blackpool’s history and annual events.
Once named ‘The greatest free light show on earth’ the Illuminations are made up of over one million light bulbs, strung into delicate patterns covering buildings, trams and other moving vehicles, with changes made each year and special features added. Since 2004 wind turbines have helped to generate the electricity used for the display, which is now operated by totally renewable resources to be as green as possible. Much work goes into the design and placement of the lights and it takes approximately 22 weeks to set up the full Illuminations before they are switched on.
The Blackpool Illuminations are more than just a few bulbs strung along the sea front, and can be seen from miles away. Visitors to the Illuminations can drive or walk along the 10 km stretch or choose to ride in one of the trams, coaches, buses or horse drawn Landau that all run during the 66 days the Lights can be seen.
The Illuminations in Blackpool are a sight not be missed if you are visiting the North West of the UK. The spectacular and colourful light display to the attractions also available at this coastal town make Blackpool a special place. Illuminate your life and enjoy the dazzling parade that so many visitors and locals flock to see each and every year. From the famous Blackpool Tower, which is a replica of the Eiffel tower in Paris, as far as the eye can see there is an array of colours, patterns and features all lit up and sparkling like jewels in the night sky. Let the coastal Borough of Blackpool illuminate your life and your heart with a trip to the fantastic lights this year.
So when thinking of where to go for your next house sitting job, see if the location and dates coincide with the Blackpool Illuminations to experience the greatest free light show on earth!