Blackpool Promenade was livelier than we’ve seen it in a long time on Friday as Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen pulled the lever, turning on this year’s spectacular illuminations.

An estimated ten thousand people turned out to watch the countdown and live performances from Tom Grennan, Mae Muller, Blue, Fuse ODG, and Nina Nesbitt in front of Blackpool Tower Ballroom, before filling both sides of the prom as they strolled through the displays. 

Founded in 1879, the illuminations were dubbed “ artificial sunshine,” and have lit up 6.1 miles of Blackpool Promenade for 66 days ever since - this year they will run until January 2. 

While it certainly seemed like vendors along the promenade selling everything from donuts, candy floss, hot-dogs to rude sticks of rock were doing a fantastic trade, the display uses more than 1 million light bulbs, and has sparked concerns from some residents about the cost of the illuminations and how Blackpool will foot the bill.

Lancashire Telegraph: Cars, chariots and pedestrians thronged the promenade.Cars, chariots and pedestrians thronged the promenade.

A statement on Blackpool Council’s website said styles and technology are constantly adapting to address the issues of conservation and energy efficiency:

“Since 2002 more LED’s and fixtures have been the standard for all new and upgraded features. 

“These are the most efficient means of generating light available and they are now used in over 30% of the show.

“Blackpool Illuminations only use green electricity from renewable resources consisting of wind, small-scale hydro, landfill and Bio-Gas. 

“The procurement of green electricity has reduced the annual Illuminations carbon dioxide emissions to zero.”

Two wind turbines linked directly to the illuminations supply were also introduced on the South Promenade as the event pushes towards its goal of carbon neutrality.