Lightpool Festival 2022

WELCOME TO LIGHTPOOL FESTIVAL 2022

BLACKPOOL’S AWARD-WINNING LIGHTPOOL FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH EXTRAORDINARY FREE-TO-SEE ENTERTAINMENT FROM THE 14 - 29 OCTOBER 2022

This year’s amazing light festival comprises of 16 nights of pure exhilarating spectacle, providing an intoxicating mix of lightbased art installations, stunning live performances, family-friendly activities, and 3D projection shows.

Showcasing a spectacular array of international works from France and Netherlands and exclusively premiering new artwork never seen before in the UK, this year’s event promises to be the most visually spectacular light festival ever!

Embark on a magical journey and explore interactive exhibits, immersive light installations and enjoy enchanted evenings strolling along the illuminated art trails and mesmeric light projections along the promenade and town centre. Enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere of the town’s outdoor spaces and iconic buildings transformed by spectacular light works and projects and experience the town lit up like never before.

Prepare to be amazed as Carnival Magic returns to the The Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The exhilarating menagerie of illuminated carnival characters and music will enthral audiences at the Tower Ballroom for an electrifying static showcase of music, puppetry and dance. An incredible array of Internationally recognised carnival performers will present a diverse melting pot of carnival music and magic.

The Illuminated Tram Parade will celebrate Blackpool’s unique illuminated tramway history and presents a wonderful opportunity to witness and enjoy Blackpool’s dazzling, historic collection of illuminated tramcars. Live entertainment will be buzzing along the glittering streets of Blackpool as back by popular demand are Spark!, the original and best LED drummers. Combining high impact drumming, dynamic choreography, playful characters and colourful lighting design, they will literally light the way with their energetic musical performance.

Featuring a battleship, a trawler and the Great Western Train - resplendent, colourful and brightly lit up in all their glory, the Illuminated Tram Parade will take your breath away.

The 2022 Lightpool Festival programme will be complemented by the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations, the Lightpool 3D projection shows, which will be projected each night on to the Blackpool Tower buildings, and by our seafront festival village adjacent to the Comedy Carpet.

We hope you can join us in making many wonderful memories over 16 nights of pure magic, music and illuminated magnificenceand it is all free!

Enjoy every marvellous minute and light up your life!

PHILIP HOLMES

ARTISTIC DIRECTORLIGHTPOOL FESTIVAL

WELCOME

VISITOR INFORMATION

TAKEOVER

WAY OR ANOTHER

DROP OF LIGHT GET INVOLVED

STORIES HIGH

BIG BIRD & BRILLIANCE

TOWER LIGHT SHOW & SEEING IN THE DARK MOON FLOWERS

& THE BLACKPOOL WAY LUMINATION

NEON: BLACKPOOL LIGHT OF MY LIFE,

BRAVE,

PROJECTIONS

A BIGGER RIPPLE,

WE ARE BLACKPOOL & POWER THE TOWER

BLACKPOOL

TRAM PARADE

MAGIC

SPONSORS

PLANNING YOUR NIGHT

VISITOR INFORMATION GETTING HERE

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, everything in the festival is free. Most of the events and art installations take place between 18-29 October, but not all, so please check the dates.

OPENING TIMES

Lightpool art trail is opening each night 18-29 October between 18:00 and 22:00. Please check the artwork programme as some of the artworks are not available for the full duration of the festival. Some of the artworks may experience large queues, so please be prepared to wait. The Tower Projections and Odyssey are shown nightly from 6pm.

Due to the popularity of the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, there may be traffic delays arriving and leaving the event; take extra time to arrive. We recommend if travelling by car to park in the southern car parks and use the tramway to travel to the event. Alternative public transport via the rail systems and buses are also recommended.

If travelling to the event by car, we strongly advise parking up early. Most central car parks are usually full a couple of hours before the event kicks off and roads become heavily congested.

TICKETS

Tickets are required for the Carnival Magic performance at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, these are free and

can be booked at: lighpool.eventbrite.co.uk Whilst the Illuminated Tram Parade is free to watch and take part, tickets are required to ride the Illuminated Trams. Tickets can be purchased from: blackpoolheritage. com/tours/illuminated-tramparade/

Booking is required for our Lumidogs workshops, these are free and can be booked at: lightpool-lumidogs. eventbrite.co.uk

ASSISTANCE

Lightpool ambassadors are located along the art trail and on the Tower Festival Headland, where you can also find gift and food cabins.

All information is correct at the time of printing. For the most up to date information please visit: visitblackpool. com/lightpoolfestival

AQUALUX

ARTIST: PHIL HOLMES FOR LIGHTPOOL FESTIVAL

An 8m 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, transportable and ecofriendly light feature to raise the importance of water.

Did you know the average person uses the same amount of water these containers hold within the space of a year? And that’s only at home! Our great grandparents managed with only three containers.

Aqualux is an eye-opening feature with an educational twist, so make sure you catch a glimpse of it.

AQUALUX TOUR 15 - 17 OCTOBER

Driven by an illuminated one-of-a-kind Peterbilt owned by Fox Bros., the artwork will be touring the streets of Blackpool, bringing Lightpool Festival up close and personal to residents and visitors alike, from the 15 - 17 October 2022.

Check visitblackpool.com/ lightpoolfestival for routes.

NATURE TAKEOVER

ARTIST: ANT DICKINSON AND AL JOHNSON

Vines, flowers, fruit, fungus and creatures take over Blackpool Church as it is reclaimed by nature as a large scale, playful, rhythmic projection.

Bold and colourful hand drawn animations dance over the building’s surface, synchronised to music taking the audience on a journey into the interconnected rhythms of the natural world.

In between viewing the narrative artwork there is opportunity to interact with the projection, controlling insects crawling on the building with your mobile device. Scan the QR code and your insect will appear on the church wall.

Commissioned as part of the Artist Development programme for Lightpool Festival.

ART G ALLERY—

CRYSTALLIZED 26 - 29 OCTOBER

ARTIST: THEORIZ (FRANCE)

CRYSTALLIZED is an audiovisual sculpture inspired by the bismuth crystal. Inside it, we use the principle of volumetric projection and video to illuminate its loins.

The installation, with its geometric proportions based on crystalline materials, diffuses a soundscape and video reflections. It invites the public to contemplate it, wander around it and interact with it.

THÉORIZ is a multi-awarded studio gathering a team of professional engineers, visual artists and creative developers. They combine scientific and artistic research to create beautiful and creative experiences.

From virtual reality to video mapping to robotics, THÉORIZ love challenging projects and are here to advise you how to design a meaningful experience to tell your story.

SHINE AND LUTN

Light up the North (LUTN) is a network of nine northern light festivals which have come together to share their collective expertise to support both the development of the partner festivals and the wider sector. Through regional, national and international networking and collaboration LUTN nurtures artistic ambition through artist and producer development, co-commissioning and joint fundraising.

The capacity and depth of cultural practice within the network enables LUTN to support emerging artists, explore technical innovations and create aspirational work to deliver a compelling offer for audiences.

The SHINE programme aims to nurture and develop new talent, giving artists the opportunity to exhibit or perform new work at a number of Light Up The North festivals. Artists are selected through an open-call process and will typically be awarded bursaries of up to £10,000 to realise their new artwork.

As well as financial support, each artist also receives a full induction to the programme, as well as training and mentoring from across the LUTN partnership.

BUTTERFLIES

ARTIST: ANNE BENNETT (SHINE)

Butterflies have different meanings to different people. ‘Butterfly Cluster’ by Anne Bennett is inspired by an open cluster of stars in Scorpius. The installation consists of over one thousand six hundred butterflies which appear to have landed in Blackpool.

Each butterfly has a unique pattern and is hand-made from an eco-friendly resin. The butterflies hold a secret: in the darkness, and under UV light, each shines brightly with a different design (not visible in the daylight). Anne intends that when people

discover the artwork, they will enjoy spending time reflecting on the different meanings that butterflies convey.

A SHINE commission in partnership with Light Up The North.

ANNE BENNETT is a contemporary artist from North Yorkshire. She is fascinated by the beautiful shapes found in flora and wildlife. Through her artwork, Anne hopes to remind people of the beauty in nature and reconnect with their own surroundings.

NORMAN

ARTIST: LEWIS SYKES (SHINE)

Meet the interactive light and sound installation NORMAN - an old school ‘smart’ screen but with attitude.

The work is an artistic simulation of the behaviours you might encounter now from an ‘intelligent’ machine built to explore humancomputer interaction as conceived in the late 1960s. NORMAN feels somewhat threatened and undermined by advances in modern technology - its questionable

antics might be understood as the response of an ‘intelligent’ machine in crisis.

Visit normanisonline.uk or scan the QR code to connect to NORMAN’s online app and send your own message to its screen.

Find out more about NORMAN at norman.monomatic.net

NORMAN is supported by dbnAudile.

A SHINE commission in partnership with Light Up The North.

LEWIS SYKES is a visual musician, creative technologist, digital art and media producer/curator and researcher/educator based in Manchester, UK.

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

ARTIST: TOM BIDDULPH (NETHERLANDS)

Don’t give up on future generations.

Work together, keep the faith.

One way or another, hazards ahead can be overcome.

You can’t stop hope.

A set of revised road signs giving humanity a shared direction for the future.

TOM BIDDULPH is a visual artist originally from Manchester and currently living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Working with multiple mediums, he enjoys looking slightly past reality and imagining what’s there, often resulting in concepts that relate to a particular place or environment.

A co-commission with Wigan Council and Light Up Lancaster.

FLUX 26 - 29 OCTOBER ARTIST: COLLECTIF SCALE (FRANCE)

Flux is a kinetic light installation to contemplate. By describing complex twists and turns, the object composed of lines of light evolves smoothly with the music. It navigates between poetic states and, conversely, frenetic rotation rhythms. After having tamed video and light in their previous works, the SCALE collective is now exploring the world of movement and robotics. With Flux, SCALE sculpts a living and original object.

Flux is composed of 48 dynamic light lines, 1.5 m long, spaced 40 cm apart, motorised and controlled in real time. The formal multiplication of these lines coupled with micro variations of phases, temporal delays, speeds and amplitudes allows us to sculpt a 20m long object, alive and evolving with a cyclic back and forth movement.

Flux - Collectif ScaleProduction: TETRO

SCALE is the name of an artistic entity behind which are hidden several singular personalities coming from distinct but complementary artistic horizons. Whether it is motion design, mapping, LED design, interactivity, robotics or programming, their technological mastery is a means of expression at the service of an artistic proposal.

DROP OF LIGHT 26 - 29 OCTOBER ARTIST: GIJS VAN BON (NETHERLANDS)

Just another day in the life of a drop of light: it dances, sways, twirls, flutters, hides, jolts and plays. This magical installation combines displays of fluorescent liquid and ultra-violet laser lights to breathe life into a drop of light, drawing the viewer in through all the senses.

Dramatic in its execution, Drop of Light occupies a unique space spanning sculpture, animation, art, technology and a lot of mathematics! The idea for this installation originated with the wish to create something never seen before: shapes projected in mid-air.

The creation of Drop of Light required a coming together of artistic, technological and scientific specialists and a fusion of their visions and experiences, but, as artist Gijs van Bon states: the magic was always there.

GET INVOLVED

LUMIDOGS (SOLD OUT)

Bark by ‘pup’ular demand! LumiDogs returns for Lightpool 2022.

We are hosting a series of make & create workshops across Blackpool and inviting dog owners and their pooches to get involved.

Join us for a FREE workshop in a dog friendly & relaxed environment. Bring yourself and your four legged companion along to one of our workshops and our creative workshop leader will guide and assist you into making your dog’s very own Lumi jacket!

All those taking part will be encouraged to join us and take part in the Illuminated Tram Parade on 24th October, followed by an illuminated dog friendly walk around Lightpool Festival’s spectacular art trail.

To take part in a FREE workshop - please register in advance lightpool-lumidogs. eventbrite.co.uk

FIT2GLOW

Lightpool Festival in partnership with Blackpool Football Club Community Trust held UV Football events for Blackpool Year 2 Primary Schools and Blackpool Academy, during September.

Teams from local schools and the academy wore neon bibs, glow in the dark accessories for the 5-a-side competition, in an innovative and fun-filled event, which formed just part of the Education and Health initiative work undertaken by BFCCT. The unique concept offers a perfect mix of fun, sport and family activity.

The sports halls were transformed into a playground of ultra-violet light and glow in the dark sport; when the lights were switched off - the games began.

The winning teams from each heat will then take part in the Fit2Glow final at Blackpool Tower Circus on 12 October.

CHOIR

Theatre company and projection specialists imitating the dog, along with composer James Hamilton, are making a beautiful new piece of work at Lightpool Festival.

And they’re looking for musicloving residents from the area to take part.

You will be joining other local people to form a choir for the projection soundtrack. Participants will also be invited to perform live at Light Up Lancaster.

You don’t need to have a lot of experience of musical or singing ability - just lots of enthusiasm. If you can make a noise, they want to hear from you!

Rehearsal dates are Wed 5 October, 6.30pm - 8pm and Tues 11 October, 6.30pm - 8pm at The Old Electric. Performance date is Friday 28 October, 6.30pm - 8pm.

Interested? Sign up now by emailing thedog@ imitatingthedog.co.uk

Want to know more about what’s in store? Head to imitating the dog’s FAQs page on their website for more details: imitatingthedog. co.uk/choir-call-out/

100 Stories High is a cocommission from Lightpool Festival and Light Up Lancaster.

LEAP

A free workshop week for artists who want to develop skills in projection-mapping, led by imitating the dog, held at Lightworks, the home of Blackpool Illuminations. Mon 14 - Thur 17 Nov 2022, 10am - 5pm.

Participants will learn about imitating the dog’s approach to site-specific projection mapping work, from storyboarding, through basic animation and projection mapping techniques.

To find out more, visit: imitatingthedog.co.uk/ project/leap-blackpool

Applications close at 10am on Monday 31 October.

100 STORIES HIGH

ARTIST: IMITATING THE DOG

A Lightpool and Light Up Lancaster co-commission.

As a man leaves his house for the final time, a flood of memories unfolds. Personal moments collide with world events as the old building shows its history and bares its soul. imitating the dog mix beautiful animation with live performance in this musical installation about memory and time.

100 Stories High is a new outdoor projection piece, with original music by composer James Hamilton and a choir made of local residents. The projection will transform the Winter Gardens facade with a magical and moving story.

imitating the dog are a Lancashire based company who make work for theatre, live performance and public festivals. Their work is highly

visual and uses high end design and large scale video design. “imitating the dog is not only a company without imitators, it is currently without peer” - The Guardian.

SPECIAL LIVE EVENT

On Friday 28 October, between 7pm and 8pm, 100 Stories High will be accompanied by live performance by acclaimed singer Neil Balfour.

ODYSSEY

ARTIST: JACK IRVING, LANCASTER UNIVERSITY AND LIGHTWORKS

Introducing Odyssey, the largest installation ever seen in the Blackpool Illuminations display, co-created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a talented team of computer scientists from Lancaster University.

Standing at 11 metres high, the installation comprises six large-scale structures, known as ‘towers’, that are combined with state-of-theart technology to create an immersive and interactive projection show themed on undiscovered creatures lurking in the depths of the deep sea.

There are six towers in total with three varying designs based on sea gods from Greek mythology: Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Amphitrite. Aphrodite, the tallest of the

three towers, is an impressive 7 metres wide, and 11 metres high!

The installation, which has been manufactured at the Blackpool Illuminations Lightworks factory, will be situated on the Tower Festival Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower, across from the newly-reimagined Golden Mile section.

You are in Odyssey’s full control when the compelling sequence commences approximately every 15 minutes and immerses you into a futuristic world. For the first ten minutes, experience real-time interactive projection mapping on the carpet and discover complex alien sea creatures as they swim, swirl and sway around your feet.

Anyone is free to participate and interact with the multisensory installation. Through advanced technology, no two experiences will be the same as the bespoke software maps individual movements and reflects back a customised projection, creating a unique and dynamic encounter for each person.

Following the interactive element of Odyssey, the installation then displays a spine-tingling light and sound show created by the towers and 60 powerful lasers.

Step aside and gaze in wonder as the towers go head-to-head in jawdropping combat. Which tower will prevail and be crowned Alien of the Seas? All will be revealed when the installation invades Blackpool from late October to the 2 January.

FIVE FUTURISTIC FACTS ABOUT ODYSSEY:

• Over 10,000 lines of code were written to enable the interactive elements of Odyssey.

• In excess of 2,500 hours have been spent on developing the software, simulation and testing.

• Each tower contains a Panasonic 20,000 lumens projector, camera and machine learning software to detect interactions from visitors.

• Over 32 tonnes of steel has been used in the construction of the towers.

• 2,400 LED nodes and over 3,500 metres of LED lighting has been used in the display.

* Odyssey is supported by the Towns Fund. The Towns Fund is part of the government’s plan for Levelling Up the UK economy. Towns across England are working with the Government to address their growth constraints, deliver economic benefits and improve the lives of people within their communities.

BIG BIRD

ARTIST: GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA | LIGHTING: LIGHTWORKS

What’s 3.5 metres high and made out of ten London taxis? Big Bird of course!

The 1 tonne pigeon was originally created for the Museum of London’s immersive experience Beasts of London, created in partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama, but it will spread its wings

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and head to Blackpool for Lightpool Festival.

This large-scale sculpture of a Trafalgar Square Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is impressively constructed from parts of London Black Cabs (Hackney Carriage) finished in its natural plumage and aesthetically illuminated by Lightworks, the Blackpool Illuminations production team.

BRILLIANCE

This light and sound show was the first of its kind in the UK. Based on a continuous ribbon spiralling in and out of the ground, its six metal arches criss-cross Birley Street with custom-designed luminaires.

ART

TOWER LIGHT SHOW

ARTIST: GREG MCLENAHAN (ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS)

Blackpool Tower is emblazoned with a glowing heart, and 25,000 lights on the structure. Join us for this sensational light show, as we bring the Tower to life with a sound and light spectacular. This brand new featured light show runs every night during Lightpool Festival at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm and 10pm.

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SEEING IN THE DARK 26 - 29 OCTOBER

ARTIST: IMITATING THE DOG

Peer into a cinema from the past in Seeing In The Dark, a brand new digital installation from “multimedia daredevils” (The Times) imitating the dog.

Inspired by the Cinema Memory and the Digital Archive project based at Lancaster University,

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funded by the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council), Seeing In The Dark invites you to explore how cinema mimics and makes memories, as film projection, time, and the viewing experience collide in this evocative, immersive artwork.

A fun homage to captivating moments in cinema history and a moving reflection on the sensation of filmwatching, Seeing In The Dark is a special trip to the flicks that you won’t want to miss.

BLACKPOOL CEC, LEOPOLD GROVE, FY1 4JR

Image credit: Mark Loudon.

MOON FLOWERS 26 - 29 OCTOBER

ARTIST: LANTERN COMPANY

Experience the mesmeric Moon Flowers and be gently hypnotised by their colour changing transformations.

ILLUMINATE

ARTIST: GRAND THEATRE | CREATIVE PRODUCER AND FILM SOUNDSCAPE: ALEXANDRA O’TOOLE | FILM ANIMATION: ANTHONY BRIGGS | PROJECT ARTISTS: KATE EGGLESTONWIRTZ, JULIA SWARBRICK, HENRY IDDON, ANTHONY BRIGGS, LISA CAROLAN, STREET STYLE SURGERY, JARON JOINER, EMILIE LAHOUEL

Blackpool Grand Theatre presents ‘We are Illuminated’, a short film, soundscape and accompanying artworks co-created with Blackpool’s children during a year of creative activity exploring and celebrating their brilliance & resilience.

Blackpool Grand presents opportunities for our community to enjoy, participate and learn through theatre, putting their creative

voices front-and-centre, delivering joint platforms for shared work.

BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE is an active charity with social, educational, and artistic aims. Illuminate has been kindly co-funded by the Ragdoll Foundation, Arts Council England, Blackpool Council and Future U, and through this programme, the children and young people were given a creative safe

space to tell their stories how they wanted to, and where they could learn new skills that would help them in other areas of their lives.

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THE BLACKPOOL WAY

ARTIST: SHOWTOWN / LEFTCOAST | FILM MAKERS: WASH STUDIO | COMPOSER: CALLUM HARVEY

During lockdown, LeftCoast and Showtown and House of Wingz invited the public to submit original dance moves for a new social dance called ‘The Blackpool Way’. This dance was captured in iconic locations across the Town,

filmed by WASH studios with music by Callum Harvie.

The film features 15-yearold Blake Rainey as the main character, who dances through town, showcasing the best of Blackpool, its

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history of dance, and the vibrancy of the people who live here. It is a celebratory routine featuring moves like 'Spot the Seagull', 'The Seaside Strut', and 'The Windy Walk'. The film plays every night on Victoria Street.

Blackpool Illuminations frequently described as the ‘greatest free light show on Earth’ has been a major part of Blackpool’s attraction portfolio since 1879 when they were described as ‘artificial sunshine’.

There are six miles of traditional festoons, features and tableaux along the Promenade every evening, from the end of August to the beginning of January the following year.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is the Creative Curator for Blackpool Illuminations whose unique designs are a featured in the display, and include the new Golden Mile section which is filled with Neo Neon and has been created to directly reference the golden era of the Illuminations during the super-glamorous flirty thirties.

In this exhibition, get up close and personal with some favourites from the collection, including Tardis, Spaceman, Stained Glass, Portrait of Self, Crystal Chandelier, Tiffany Umbrellas, Sea Shells, Lovers Knot, Dalek, Father Christmas.

BLACKPOOL LIGHT OF MY LIFE

ARTIST: CHILA KUMARI SINGH BURMAN

In 2021, after high profile projects for Tate Britain and Covent Garden in London, internationally recognised artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman turned her sights to Blackpool and the town’s Grade II listed Grundy Art Gallery. A riotous display of multi-coloured new light works was specially commissioned for the exterior of the Grundy, brought together under the title, “Blackpool Light of My Life” . The work is informed by the artists regular childhood visits to the town with Blackpool Illuminations being an abiding display.

Now you can get up close and personal with the artist’s love letter to the town with elements from the installation being displayed as part of Lightpool Festival 2022.

CHILA KUMARI SINGH BURMAN MBE

Describing herself as ‘PunjabiLiverpudlian’, the artist likes to combine her Indian roots with popular culture. With ‘Blackpool Light of My Life’, she hopes the display will help people feel joy at a time when such emotions may be hard to find.

TRAGIC / BRAVE, 2019 & A BIGGER RIPPLE, 2021

ARTIST: TONY HEATON

These two works demonstrate the importance of language within the work of Tony Heaton. A Bigger Ripple, uses derogatory rhyming slang for a person with a disability while TRAGIC / BRAVE provides an example of the condescending comments sometimes directed at people with a disability. However, made as they are from neon, a material synonymous with

sea-side towns and rendered brightly in colours associated with joy and pleasure, Heaton’s choice of materials, scale and colour subvert any assumed power or negative impact of these words.

TONY HEATON OBE is an artist and disability rights activist who was appointed an OBE in 2013 for services to the arts and the disability arts movement.

Tony Heaton, Tragic / Brave, 2019, Image credit: courtesy Grundy Art Gallery, Photographer: Matt Wilkinson.

Tony Heaton, A Bigger Ripple, 2021, Image credit: courtesy Grundy Art Gallery, Photographer: Matt Wilkinson.

TOWER PROJECTIONS

The Blackpool Tower

Projections transform The Blackpool Tower into a sea of light, colour and sound, as a stunning, digitally mapped multi-media show is projected onto this iconic building.

There are five individual projection shows, including the three headline shows:

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

The story of an astronaut exploring new worlds. The show explores a fantasy based loosely upon a remarkable mission of determination and ambition. This experience draws the audience into worlds without gravity: beautiful, fantastic and full of uncertainty.

CHASING STARS

The eight-minute galactic tour has been designed to entertain and inspire the next generation of astronauts and engineers.

ENCHANTED BLACKPOOL

Created by Cecile LlewelynBowen, the daughter of Illuminations Curator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Cecile is a film-maker and brought to life designs created by her father in this show.

WE ARE BLACKPOOL

ARTIST: PHIL HOLMES FOR LIGHTPOOL | VERSE: NATHAN PARKER | COMPOSER: GEORGE CORNES | FILM MAKER: SPLASH REEL

Representing Blackpool’s vibrant local community, with a bespoke soundtrack, We Are Blackpool is a once in a lifetime snapshot of soulful reflections and poignant, personal perspectives.

Honest, raw, real. Words weaved with wonder by a poetic maestro. Aiming to give everyone a magical glimpse into the special place Blackpool is, it’s unique history and its diverse and eclectic communities.

The result is a warm and witty poem, showcasing the town’s people, passions, and cultural credentials.

Councillor Lynn Williams: Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture commented:

“It’s quite appropriate that the theme for the Lightpool Festival is to illuminate all things light fantastic and Nathan Parker’s illuminating poem is a great way for us to shine a bright light and illuminate all the individual and collective stories that make Blackpool so unique.”

“It’s always difficult to capture everything about a place and its people, especially in a town that has such history, character and depth, but

Nathan has used poetry as a form of illumination, to light up the people, their thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams. With ‘Progress’ as our town’s motto, We Are Blackpool, shines a light on the tremendous backgrounds, experiences and personalities that bring the life and soul of our town to light!”

“I found it quite emotional when I first heard the poem, and I am sure that our residents and people across Blackpool and beyond will love it and quite literally see Blackpool in a whole new light.”

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POWER THE TOWER

18 - 25 OCTOBER

Can you pedal hard enough on our specially adapted light up bike to generate enough power to light up our Blackpool Tower model?

ART

WE ARE BLACKPOOL

BY NATHAN PARKER

We… Are… Blackpool, A place like no other, with unique flair. Where the characters and the civic pride, Are fuelled by unwavering love and care (1-4)

We move with the times, as purpose might change, But our history will always shine through. Strictly speaking, we’re the Mecca of ballroom, Providing a platform, for a future so bright. (24-27)

We value progress, regeneration is key, Whilst maintaining our tradition and cheer. There’s not much vanilla about the Blackpool way, We provide happiness, year after year. (40-43)

In spring, Blackpool beautifully blooms, Within Stanley Park, our national treasure. We can do subtle, quiet and calm, Or screams and thrills, if that’s your pleasure. (56-59)

As with most places we’ll delicately balance, Our challenges with our success. But our unique advantages, in this common tussle, Are the exciting assets we possess. (74-77)

But if ever there was a place that aspires to inspire, We Are Blackpool – we light up our stage together. (80-81)

NATHAN PARKER

Nathan Parker is an independent author and performance poet from Blackpool. Proud of his seaside roots, his work channels lived experiences of life as a northerner, with working-class grit - and wit. Nathan was shortlisted for Lancashire Book of the Year in 2019 and 2021.

WITH GRATEFUL THANKS TO:

Sarah LyndseyBoathouse Youth

Ashleigh ThrelfallStreetlife

Tina RedfordLeftCoast

Brian RoseProfessional Boxer

Paulette BrienGrundy Art Gallery

Melanie WhiteheadThe Old Electric

Michael WilliamsWinter Gardens

Andy DykesBlackpool Church

Marc JosephBlackpool Football Club Community Trust

Adam KnightGrand Theatre

Kila RedfearnBlue Skies

John Barnet MBE –

Blackpool Ambassador

Danielle BarnettBlackpool Ambassador

Lyn Williams –Leader, Blackpool Council

Mooky The Clown -

Blackpool Tower

Andy Mitchell -

The Voice of Blackpool

Emma JacksonRevoelution

Richard WilliamsBlackpool Illuminations

Michelle MacWhannellBlackpool Transport Donna Langley –Langley Dance School

Sarah CairnsLangley Dance School

Elaine Smith MBE -

Friends of Stanley Park

Robert OwenBlackpool Pleasure Beach

DJ ZoeFunny Girls

Students -

Blackpool Aspire Academy

Luca VetteseNotarianni’s Ice Cream

Zac HackettTramshed Theatre Company

ILLUMINATED TRAM PARADE

The Illuminated Tram Parade will celebrate Blackpool’s unique illuminated tramway history and presents a wonderful opportunity to witness and enjoy Blackpool’s dazzling, historic collection of illuminated tramcars.

Featuring a battleship, a trawler and the Great Western Train - resplendent, colourful and brightly lit up in all their glory, the Illuminated Tram Parade will take your breath away.

Live entertainment will be buzzing along the glittering streets of Blackpool as back by popular demand are Spark!, the original and best LED drummers. Combining high impact drumming, dynamic choreography, playful characters and colourful lighting design, they will literally light the way with their energetic musical performance. Illuminated giant puppets will also be joining the parade adding a wow factor and showcasing content never seen before by audiences in Blackpool.

The Tram Parade leaves Blackpool Pleasure Beach Tram Stop at 5.15pm, arriving at Central Pier at approximately 5.30pm to be joined by the entertainment procession.

CARNIVAL MAGIC

BY GLOBAL GROOVES MONDAY 24 OCTOBER

An exhilarating menagerie of illuminated carnival will hit the Tower Ballroom for an electrifying showcase of music, puppetry and dance. Internationally recognised carnival performers will present a showstopper over 30 minutes, bringing a diverse melting pot of carnival magic.

From giant hand-crafted puppets to stunning illuminated dancers, there will be something for all the family.

Tickets are required for this free to attend event, available from 1 October:

lightpoolfestival.eventbrite.co.uk

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

WINTER GARDENS

Blackpool Council purchased the Winter Gardens in March 2010. Funding for the purchases and investment was secured from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Homes and Communities Agency and Northwest Regional Development Agency and Blackpool Council. Following the acquisition, the Winter Gardens is undergoing a major schedule of refurbishment projects while remaining open to the public for an extensive programme of shows and events.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real difference to people and businesses in the Northwest. With €755 million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise and employment. ERDF in the Northwest is managed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). For further information please visit erdfnw.co.uk

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