Key Takeaways
- The Blackpool Illuminations storehouse is where the magic is made, with a team of 35 staff designing, building, and maintaining the annual light display.
- The team has had to adapt to climate change by making the displays more resilient to strong winds and reducing their energy output.
- The illuminations are manufactured in-house, with a mix of traditional and modern techniques, including a 1937 black cast iron drill and a cutting-edge 3D printer.
- The displays are rebuilt, repurposed, and modernized, with a focus on reducing energy consumption and increasing interactivity.
- The Blackpool Illuminations will mark its 150-year anniversary in 2029, and the current head of illuminations, Richard Williams, is determined to leave it in a better place than when he started.
Introduction to the Blackpool Illuminations
The Blackpool Illuminations storehouse is a nondescript building located near Blackpool airport, but inside, it is where the magic is made. A team of 35 staff design, build, and maintain the annual light display, which has endured for almost 150 years. The storehouse is a treasure trove of wonders, featuring three giant jellyfish, a Dalek, and a flying bear, among other incredible creations. The team has been working tirelessly to create new and exciting displays, while also maintaining the traditional heritage of the illuminations.
The Manufacturing Process
The Blackpool Illuminations team manufactures everything in-house, using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. A huge black cast iron drill dating back to 1937 is still used to construct the illuminations, but it sits alongside a cutting-edge 3D printer. The team has had to adapt to climate change by making the displays more resilient to strong winds and reducing their energy output. This has involved designing tableaux in a trellis style, to allow the wind to rush through the gaps, and using LED technology to reduce power consumption. In fact, the team has reduced its power consumption by 85% since investing in LED technology in 1999.
Climate Change and Adaptation
Climate change has been a significant driver of change for the Blackpool Illuminations team. With stronger winds and more extreme weather conditions, the team has had to adapt its manufacturing process to ensure that the displays can withstand the elements. This has involved using more resilient materials and designing the displays to be more flexible and able to move with the wind. The team also has a system in place to respond to any damage caused by strong winds, with staff on call to attend to any reports of falling lights. If there is a yellow wind warning in place, there will be someone on call to attend to any reports of falling lights; with an amber or red, staff patrol the seafront.
Heritage and Tradition
The Blackpool Illuminations have a rich heritage and tradition, with many of the displays dating back decades. However, the team is not afraid to innovate and try new things, and many of the old displays are repurposed and modernized. The head of illuminations, Richard Williams, believes that there is room for both traditional and modern displays, and that the key is to get the balance right. The team has also introduced more interactive lights along the seafront, including tunnels to walk through and baubles to pose for a photograph inside. The light display can also be explored by foot, which is encouraged by the team as a way to get people out of their cars and into the local economy.
The Future of the Blackpool Illuminations
The Blackpool Illuminations will mark its 150-year anniversary in 2029, and the current head of illuminations, Richard Williams, is determined to leave it in a better place than when he started. Williams believes that the appeal of the illuminations will endure for the next 150 years, and that the key to their success is their ability to adapt and innovate while still maintaining their traditional heritage. The team is already planning for the future, with new and exciting displays in the works, and a commitment to reducing their energy consumption and increasing their interactivity. With its rich heritage and tradition, the Blackpool Illuminations is still the original and best, and it will continue to be a major tourist attraction for years to come.
