| If you live in - or near - Blackpool you will know all | | | | off again between half past eleven and one in the |
| about the illuminations and the power they have | | | | morning. One wonders what the electricity bill |
| to draw in thousands of visitors every year. | | | | would be if they were left on twenty four hours |
| However, not everyone is aware of just how | | | | a day, given the fact that more than a million |
| amazing these illuminations actually are. | | | | bulbs are used! |
| It's been well over a century since the year when | | | | While all the individual displays are well worth |
| the lights were first switched on, and they show | | | | looking at, it is the overall effect created that |
| no signs of becoming less popular as time goes | | | | really takes your breath away. If you just want |
| by. While there is plenty to keep visitors amused | | | | to see the illuminations then you should jump on a |
| when they arrive in Blackpool, there is no doubt | | | | bus or a tram, but if you want to enjoy the |
| that some people come purely to see the | | | | illuminations at your own pace then grab your |
| illuminations and nothing else. | | | | most comfortable walking shoes and stroll along |
| The evening when the lights are first switched on | | | | underneath them for a close up view that cannot |
| has become something of a focal point, and it is | | | | be beaten. You might not want to walk the entire |
| customary for someone famous to mark the | | | | length of them though, as they run for an |
| moment when the whole display can be seen for | | | | impressive six miles! |
| the first time each year. Some notably famous | | | | Of course there is plenty more to keep you |
| names have agreed to take on this role over the | | | | occupied at Blackpool, enabling you to have a |
| years, including Anna Neagle in 1949, George | | | | great day out before it gets dark and the lights |
| Formby in 1953, Terry Wogan in 1978 and Joanna | | | | come on for you to marvel at. One of the most |
| Lumley in 1985. This aspect of the ceremony | | | | famous places to visit is the Blackpool Pleasure |
| alone makes it well worth the trip to see the | | | | Beach, and there are certainly plenty of rides and |
| opening of the illuminations. | | | | attractions to keep you entertained here. |
| Contrary to what some people may believe, the | | | | Make sure you get a Blackpool Destination Guide |
| illuminations are not kept on all day and all night. | | | | to help you plan your trip more effectively, so |
| They are switched on as the evening gets | | | | you can enjoy your stay in Blackpool to the |
| darker, with the time coming forward each day | | | | fullest extent. |
| as the evenings draw in. They are then switched | | | | |