Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Redesigns Blackpool Illuminations: A Dazzling New Look Unveiled!

Next weekend, Olly Murs, a renowned pop star, is set to ignite the celebrated Blackpool Illuminations, a tradition that dates back nearly 150 years.

This event in the Lancashire seaside town first occurred 146 years ago, predating even Thomas Edison’s patent of the electric light bulb by a year.

Although the town has faced its share of challenges, the annual late August lighting event continues to buoy its tourism sector.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who gained fame on the BBC’s Changing Rooms and is known for his maximalist style, marks his 20th year of involvement with the Illuminations this year as the creative curator.

Llewelyn-Bowen humorously noted the common misconception about the event, saying, “It’s funny because there’s a bit of confusion with some thinking we’re just switching on Christmas lights, which is far from the case.”

He further clarified that the Blackpool Illuminations were the world’s first light festival, predating any other electric light festival. Today, while similar festivals are held in cities like Sydney, Lille, and various places in China, Blackpool remains a pioneering giant, according to him.

This year, he introduces a new feature called Guardians of the North, which includes three giant seven-meter-tall dragons encircling turrets, brought to life with lights, smoke, and animated eyes.

“I cherish the notion of transforming the Illuminations into a massive, free, illuminated art event,” he expressed. “But it’s friendly art, not the intimidating or tumultuous kind — just pure joy.”

He emphasized the generational allure of the Blackpool Illuminations. Despite the competition from affordable foreign vacations, the Illuminations have remained a vital part of many people’s recreational legacy.

“The British seaside holds a unique place in everyone’s holiday memories,” he stated. “And we really lean into that with the Blackpool experience.

“Visit and relive your childhood memories,” he continued. “Bring your kids, your parents, your grandparents. It’s a wonderful opportunity for family bonding.”

Llewelyn-Bowen further explained that while the illuminations hold deep-seated memories for many in the north-west, their magic hasn’t quite reached further south, creating a bit of a cultural divide.

“Mention ‘Blackpool’, and it instantly evokes a sentimental reaction, extending as far north as Scotland, where it’s also immensely popular,” he remarked.

Comically, he added, “I always feel a bit sorry for the more subdued, magnolia-loving south with their Farrow and Ball obsessions. They don’t quite capture the cool, somewhat naughty charm of Blackpool.”

Llewelyn-Bowen, originally from London, admitted he was unfamiliar with the illuminations until later in life. “Blackpool wasn’t a part of my childhood,” he shared. “However, it quickly became integral to my children’s, and now my grandchildren are completely enchanted by it all. It’s like I’ve started this wonderful family tradition.”

His initial visit to Blackpool was in the mid-1980s on a business trip for a flooring company to the Winter Gardens, on a particularly rainy November afternoon. “I was immediately struck by the sheer amount of design everywhere you looked,” he recalled. “To me, it felt like an extravagant version of Portmeirion, but with so much more lavish and ornate detail.

“While you might see decorative touches in other parts of Britain’s coastal towns, Blackpool is unique. You can’t go anywhere without seeing some elaborate decoration,” he continued. “In a country known for its reserved architectural style, Blackpool is perhaps the only place where design truly lets loose.”