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The lights illuminating Blackpool prom since 1879

News imageShowtown Blackpool Black-and-white photo of Blackpool Promenade pictured in June 1893 with visitors in the distance near two arc lamps on 60ft poles and Blackpool Tower which is partly built in the distance.Showtown Blackpool
News imageShowtown Blackpool Black-and-white image of the illuminations on Blackpool Promenade near the North Pier, showing Blackpool Tower in the background.Showtown Blackpool
The Illuminations (pictured in June 1893 when Blackpool Tower was being built) started in 1879 with eight arc lamps erected on 60ft (18m) poles along the seafront. At a time when people still lit their homes with candles, locals and tourists alike marvelled at the "artificial sunshine"
By 1912, huge numbers people flocked to the resort to see the lights display when the promenade and Blackpool Tower - which was completed in 1894 - were decorated with 10,000 lights.

They started back in 1879 with eight carbon arc lamps and were described as "artificial sunshine".

From humble beginnings, Blackpool Illuminations grew into six miles (9.5km) of immersive light and art displays and almost 150 years on they still attract millions of visitors to the resort.

The famous Illuminations switch-on ceremonies which date back to 1934 are still one of Blackpool's busiest weekends of the year.

We take a look back at how the lights display which now runs from September to the first week of January has evolved over the years.

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