Blackpool Illuminations – the greatest free show on earth!

1 million lamps, 200 miles of cabling, 6 miles of lights and 66 nights to shine. It all adds up to an astounding – and free - Blackpool show. Isn't it time you revisited the Illuminations in Blackpool?

Everyone visits Blackpool Illuminations at some time in their lives. If it's a while since you've been then it really is time you brought the family back, because the Blackpool lights have had a whole new lease of life!

Fibre optics, fireworks, lasers and Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen have all been added to the regular light show to bring the lights in Blackpool into the 21st century.

The only thing you need to decide is how to see them. By car? On foot? Or you could take one of the spectacular illuminated trams. Whichever you choose you'll have a magical family night out.

Blackpool Illuminations – Family highlights.

The Poldhu is just a short walk away from the northern end of the lights. It's a great location from which to explore the giant tableau that are the highlight of this most famous of Blackpool shows. It's also a great base from which to catch a tram to take you through the Blackpool Illuminations in style.

Don't miss:

• The switch-on show – stay at our family hotel in Blackpool on 3rd September and you'll be in town for the biggest party in the country! Join a crowd of 10,000, Radio 2 and a host of stars for the switch-on show. This year's list of chart topping acts has yet to be revealed but last year we welcomed Tony Christie, JLS, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith and Madness!
  And who will follow David Tennant (2007), the Top Gear team (2008) and Alan Carr as this year's switch on star?
• International Fireworks Championships – check out our dedicated page for more on this event. Visit our Blackpool hotel when the championships are in full swing and get two amazing Blackpool shows – the fireworks and Blackpool Illuminations – both for free!
• The tableau – our Blackpool hotel is just five minutes’ walk from the northern end of the lights. That means you're just 5 minutes’ walk from the giant illuminations that are always guaranteed to wow the kids. They're the highlight of the show!
• Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen – LLB’s flamboyant, cheeky range of lights was unveiled in 2007 and is amongst the finest sets ever to grace the Blackpool Illuminations. Look for his lights outside Blackpool Tower. He's also responsible for Venus Rising, a spectacular tableau opposite the sandcastle. It's a whole Blackpool show in its own right and runs every few minutes.
• Dr Who – The Doctor, Cybermen, Daleks, the Tardis and more. Look out for this kids’ favourite by the Pleasure Beach.
• Be a part of the lights! At Illuminations time some spectacular, illuminated trams in the shape of warship HMS Blackpool and a fishing trawler and the Great Western Train patrol the lights. Treat yourself to a journey through Blackpool Illuminations in an Illumination! 

Blackpool Illuminations – the Poldhu Hotel insider's guide:

• The Blackpool Lights shine again in 2010 from Friday 3rd September – 7th November.
• Switch on times get earlier as the days draw shorter. If you have young children who would struggle with a switch-on time around or after 7.30 then why not visit us for a weekend break in October when the switch-on times are at their earliest?
• Combine Blackpool Illuminations with fireworks! Every Friday between 10th September and 1st October, stand on the promenade opposite Blackpool Tower. At about 8.30 look towards North Pier and wait for it to go completely dark…**
• This year's switch-on show should be the first to come from the brand new Tower Headland Arena – bang opposite Blackpool Tower on the promenade (they’re working like mad to finish it in time…)
• Travelling by car? To see all six miles of lights you need to start at either end of Blackpool Illuminations. The route from south (Starr Gate) to north (Bispham) is always busier as Starr Gate is nearest to the M55. Our tip? Head south from our Blackpool Promenade hotel. There’s always slightly less traffic.
• On foot? Why not split Blackpool Illuminations into manageable chunks? Walk the tableau on the north cliffs one night; walk the Great Promenade Show (see our dedicated page) another. Now that the central promenade area has been redeveloped it also makes a great place to stroll the lights!
• Want to see Blackpool Illuminations in relaxed style? Travel by tram from just outside our promenade hotel.
• Illuminated trams leave from North Pier only and don't stop to take on or let off passengers. Check with Blackpool Transport for timetables and prices using the following link: www.blackpooltransport.com

** Firework displays are always subject to the weather

For more details please use the attached link: www.visitblackpool.com/blackpool-illuminations

Blackpool Family Attractions

Poldhu Hotel's Article on The Blackpool Illuminations

Home | About | Gallery | Tariff | Attractions | Reviews | Bookings | Contact