Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations began with eight humble electric lamps in 1879, described by the local press of the time as “artificial sunshine”.
136 years later the Illuminations are still going strong and have become an annual institution, with 2015 even involving an ambitious “Lightpool” project using world renowned projection mapping artists, a composer who worked on the Matrix trilogy and the iconic Blackpool ballroom!
It’s all very exciting and tops off a rejuvenated 6 mile display stretching the entire length of Blackpool’s sea front. Once again Laurence Llewelyn Bowen has served as artistic director for the Illuminations and he described the 2015 Illuminations as something that will “make a real difference to how people see Blackpool”.
The 2015 Illuminations are going to be bigger and better than ever, but local government has been hit hard by cuts and needs the support of the private sector more than ever this year to make these Illuminations possible. Laurence said it best: “This year the Illuminations are about businesses investing in Blackpool!”
And at eviivo we really are investing in Blackpool. With more than 1200 small hotels and B&B’s in the town and over 300 of them using eviivo apps we’re committed to the success of Blackpool and its world famous Illuminations. That’s why eviivo is proud to be sponsoring the Illuminations for another year.
To find out what eviivo’s investment would help achieve we spoke to Richard Ryan, head of the illuminations team, who told us: “eviivo have helped bring back popular features like the Welcome Arches which top and tail the whole display and people love, but more than that eviivo’s contribution has made a significant impact in sustaining the future of the Blackpool Illuminations.” – That’s what we like to hear!
Claire Smith, Chair of the local tourism association Stay Blackpool added: “The fact that eviivo has come and said “what can we do to help” and then followed up by sponsoring the Blackpool Illuminations means a lot to us. No one else in this industry has done that before and we are extremely grateful – helping Blackpool is helping Blackpool accommodation providers.”
The Illuminations begin on September 4th and run through September and October until November 8th. With so many great B&B’s in Blackpool and a fantastic light show to enjoy we look forward to seeing you there.