Get set for Lightpool Festival

Blackpool is preparing to showcase another extraordinary festival of light over October half-term.

With the Illuminations season in full swing, the nine days between Friday 18 and Saturday 26 October, will see the addition of light installations from the UK, France, Finland and Spain as part of the highly-acclaimed Lightpool Festival.

The festival, supported by Arts Council England, will also see the premiere of at least 15 new artworks never seen before in the UK as well as spellbinding projection shows and live performance including the return of the hugely popular Carnival Magic in the iconic Tower Ballroom.

Lightpool, which is free to attend, will see some of Blackpool’s most iconic buildings and outdoor spaces transformed during a festival that has grown into one of the UK’s biggest and best.

This year’s Art Trail will include:

Neuron

This light art installation draws inspiration from the fascinating world of neurons and brain connectivity. The primary objective of this artwork is to explore the interaction between light, motion, and human perception through an artistic representation of neurons and their branches. Produced by Spanish artist Juan Fuentes, it allows visitors to actively engage in this unique artistic experience.

A Kind of Magic

Created by artist Severi Haapala from Finland, A Kind of Magic plays with optical illusion. It’s a modern version of the 19th-century Pepper’s Ghost illusion, a technique used in theatre, cinema, amusement parks and concerts in which an object off-stage is projected so that it appears to be in front of the audience. Watch in wonder as the magic trick is done and revealed at the same time.

Flux Extended

Flux was commissioned and created in 2021 as part of the Constellations Festival in Metz, France. Its mutant and modular form has since made it an undisputed success. Over the last three years, Flux has been in constant demand, appearing on music stages and at artistic events across the world. Its kinetic architecture, composed of lines of dynamic light, is motorised and controlled in real time.

Warren Street

This animation brings the magic of nature into unexpected places. Hundreds of light painting exposures are used to create a playful and lively piece where colourful rabbits move across the space and interact with each other.

Somnius

Created by Illumaphonium, a team that has successfully designed, manufactured and toured three large scale interactive musical installations, enjoyed by several million people over four continents. Here, a mesmerising sky of light and sound dances above us in response to our every movement. It presents an unrestricted reimagining of the world.

Supernova

Some stars burn out instead of fading. The super giants destroy themselves in a huge explosion called supernova. For a brief moment, supernovas can be so powerful and luminous that they have been known to outshine entire galaxies. Like the aftermath of an enormous cosmic explosion, the Supernova and surrounding Nova sculptures created by Studio Vertigo will come to life at night in Blackpool’s St John’s Square.

Big Yellow Blobs And The Box That Buzzes

An interactive, immersive artwork designed to transport viewers into an alternate, whimsical reality. This surreal playground is filled with spectacle, illusion, and a hearty dose of silliness. By engaging with the installation through touch, sight and sound, participants become part of the artwork itself.

The World In Your Hand

The World In Your Hands is a surreal, playful exploration of nature. Inspired by Cabinets of Curiosity, manipulated footage morphs a pair of hands into bizarre creatures – squids, sharks, birds and insects. A grotesque, yet disconcertingly, familiar view of the natural world and our connection to it.

Medusae

Are you ready for a fun aquatic adventure? This amazing interactive installation awaits you, featuring the most vibrant and mesmerising jellyfish you've ever seen! Immersed in a sea of colours and light shows, this experience is sure to uplift your spirits and dazzle your senses.

Blackpool Wings

Blackpool Illuminations curator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has conceived this piece to create the ultimate selfie opportunity for Lightpool visitors. Art Nouveau inspired fairy wings take inspiration from the historical links Blackpool has forged with the stained glass industry down the years.

Tiffany Lamp

Re-imagined for Lightpool, this is an original feature from the Tiffany Delights roadway section within Blackpool Illuminations, one of the most expensive and magnificent roadway features designed by Graham Ogden and comprising 24 Tiffany-inspired features. It was first installed in 1999.

Light Sphere

Created by the super talented team at Studio Vertigo, Light Sphere is a geodesic sphere measuring approximately 4m in diameter and constructed from 240 blown stainless steel triangular forms.

Spiro

A family-friendly immersive walk-through sculptural tunnel of light created by Blackpool Illuminations’ own Lightworks team. This 26m-long magical experience is made of individually mapped LEDs that allow complex patterns to dance around the audience. Get your camera ready and capture the moment.

Aqualux Wall

Aqualux is an eye-opening feature with an educational twist. A 16m by 3m creative lighting installation composed of 48 unfilled water containers, which typically hold 1,000 litres of water each, specially adapted to create a stunning light feature.

Tower Projections

Step into a magical world and experience the delightful charm of the Blackpool Tower Projections. Let yourself be captivated by the enchanting display of lights, colours, and music that will transport you to an era full of vintage allure and soothing tunes. Multiple shows start nightly at 6pm.

Tower & Golden Mile Lightshow

Blackpool Tower is emblazoned with a glowing heart and 25,000 lights on the structure. Join us for sensational light show, as the Tower and Golden Mile are brought to life with a sound and light spectacular.

Live performances and workshops during the festival include:

Carnival Magic

Get ready to be spellbound as Carnival Magic takes over the Tower Ballroom once again, showcasing a vibrant display of illuminated carnival characters and music. Witness a dynamic mix of music, puppetry, and dance that will capture your imagination as Global Grooves International Carnival performers bring a diverse blend of music and magic to the world-famous ballroom floor. A ticketed event that will take place on Monday 21 October.

Growth

Hear local poet Nathan Parker’s words, as he teams up with visual artists to create a botanical light projection that grows up the wall behind a temporary public square in central Blackpool.

Glow With The Flow

Come to Showtown, Blackpool’s new museum of entertainment, for a special afternoon of wonder, featuring interactive touch screen sessions that transform short films into multi-sensory adventures. An immersive film experience suitable for all the family, especially our sensory seeking young visitors (ticketed event). Showtown will also be open to visitors every evening during Lightpool Festival.

Festival director Phil Holmes said:

“Over the nine nights, the town's most iconic landmarks will be illuminated by a breath-taking array of light installations, brought to life by the creative minds of talented artists from around the globe. “This year's festival offers something for everyone, with stunning light art from across the globe, captivating live performances, family-friendly activities, and mesmerising 3D projection shows.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added:

“I am incredibly proud of the continued development of the Lightpool Festival and delighted that it is now very deservedly a part of the Arts Council England National Portfolio. “This presents us with an amazing opportunity to unite with artists and partners worldwide. Together, we can showcase the finest contemporary light art to our audience of residents and visitors.”

Lightpool Festival forms part of an extended Illuminations season that started on Friday 30 August and runs until January 5, 2025. For the full festival line-up including details of all installations and artists, head to www.visitblackpool.com/lightpoolfestival