Biggest turn-on of the century by far

The light-up takes place amidst a blaze of publicity next Friday (September 3) - a stark contrast to the first illuminations, which featured just eight arched lamps.

Illuminations expert, Andrew Hazelhurst and resort historian, Terry Regan, tell the full story of the lights in 'From Lamp to Laser: The Story of the Blackpool Illuminations,' published by Skelter Publishing and released next Friday.

The authors will attend the switch-on ceremony to launch the book and an event is also being planned for the anniversary of the 1879 lights, September 19.

Mr Hazlehurst said: "The annual spectacle is world famous and draws millions to the town each autumn.

"This book has been written at this time of celebration, reflecting on Blackpool's past and also looking forward to a new and exciting era for the resort.

"When people think of Illuminations, they think of Blackpool and the happy holidays and trips they've had. This book will hopefully rekindle those memories and give the reader an insight into how the display is produced each year."

As well as examining how electrical power helped the resort's development, the book looks closely at the illuminated tramcars which run along the route and the increasingly glamorous switch on ceremonies, which have seen celebrities as diverse as Hollywood beauty Jayne Mansfield and Grand National winner, Red Rum, press the switch.

Mr Regan added: "It has been my great pleasure as a Blackpool man to co-write this history of the resort, and to show the reader how, why and when the town and the Lights evolved.

"There is something to interest everyone in this book, not least the stunning collection of photographs and images."

The 144 page paperback book features more than 200 photographs, many in colour, and claims to the first comprehensive book on the subject.

The book is priced at £14.99.

Send your illumination memories to sdunthorne@blackpoolcitizen.co.uk and we'll publish the best ones