Blackpool’s iconic illuminations have officially begun and will dazzle visitors until January 2023, despite the current energy crisis.
Blackpool Council said ‘forward thinking’ and the use of LED lighting has enabled Illuminations to go ahead despite concerns over soaring energy bills and the price of electricity. seaside town lighting throughout fall and winter.
The Lancashire Telegraph asked Blackpool Council how much it expected Blackpool’s illuminations to cost this year, given soaring energy costs, and whether it planned to make any changes to the scheme to save money ‘silver.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen turned on the city lights this weekend, replacing Johnny Vegas on short notice.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen lit the Blackpool Illuminations 2022 (Photo: VisitBlackpool)
A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: ‘The budgeted cost of Illuminations 22/23 is £1.758m (total costs, not just energy).
“Any increases in energy costs will be contained within the existing Illuminations budget, with material expenses reduced.
“The Illuminations receives various revenue contributions, including sponsorships and investments through Town Deal funding.
“Visitor data for 2021 shows that the extended Illuminations season drew around 10 million visitors to the promenade between September and the end of December, generating over £300 million in spend and significantly boosting the local economy.
“The team at Illuminations have been forward-thinking and as a result, over the past few years, they have already reduced energy consumption by 75% from 1999 levels through the switch to LED screens and using 100% renewable energy.
“The work that has been undertaken over a number of years means we are in the strongest possible position, but we cannot beat the market and expect our costs to rise over the next year.”
TV celebrity and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen turned on the Illuminations last Friday (September 2).
Crowds gathered at the ignition of Blackpool Illumination 2022
The 4’s Changing Rooms star flipped the switch at the end of a 90-minute live gig in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom produced in association with MTV and featuring Blue, Tom Grennan, Nina Nesbitt, Fuse ODG and Mae Muller.
Crowds who had gathered on the promenade to watch the spectacle on a giant screen were treated to an explosion of fireworks and a spectacular light show on Blackpool Tower to mark the start of four months of Illuminations.
Laurence had previously told the show’s host, Becca Dudley, of her love and affection for the Illuminations and her pride at being asked to perform the activation ceremony.
Over the past few years, Laurence has collaborated with the Illuminations production team, designing several spectacular devices and installations.
Her appearance as a Switch-On star this year coincides with the unveiling of a dazzling Golden Mile makeover in which Laurence has created a series of Art Deco-style elements that will celebrate the golden age of fashion glamor. 1930s.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are delighted to add Laurence’s name to the list of celebrities who have turned on the Illuminations over the years. He is one of our greatest ambassadors.
READ MORE: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will light Blackpool Illuminations
“It was also great to be able to share the concert and the Switch-On moment with residents and visitors who congregated on the Promenade and with global audiences via the live stream. Nights like Switch-On are what makes Blackpool such a special place.
The concert and Switch-On moment were broadcast to global audiences via VisitBlackpool and MTV channels.
Last year it drew viewers from as far away as Australia, Canada and the United States. It was also broadcast live on a specially erected screen on the nearby Tower Festival Headland.
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