The
Blackpool Illuminations is an annual lights festival in the English
seaside resort of Blackpool on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. Founded
in 1879, they run each year for 66 days, from late August until early
November, at a time
when every other English seaside resort's season
is coming to an end. Dubbed as the
greatest free light show on earth,
the council has organized
collections
of lights that run six miles long and use over one million bulbs.
Every year there is also the Festival
of Light
which features interactive installations and is described as being “a
contemporary look at the concept of light and art working together to
create entertainment.”Some of the light-up figures that form
part of the famous Blackpool Illuminations are to go on sale January
30th
at the council's Rigby Road depot, and it is open to the trade and
members of the public. Genies with lamps,
seahorses and seashells, and a huge Thunderbird 3 aircraft are just
some of the items being sold off by Blackpool Council. A council
spokeswoman said it was a great opportunity “to own such an unusual
piece of memorabilia”.
“I am obviously very sad
to see these fabulous illuminations go,” said councilor Maxine
Callow.
“But at the
same time I am very pleased that the public as well as the trade are
being given the chance to own such an unusual piece of memorabilia.
Blackpool is possibly best known for its illuminations display
and by owning one of the antique features it is possible to
own a piece of history while at the same time clearing the way for
new, more advanced items for visitors to enjoy.”
One of the seven horses
that used to light the Gynn Square roundabout carousel will also be
featured in the sale. The council believes some buyers
may want to use the old features as garden ornaments.
Prices for the famous
lights range from £50 to £350. For more history on the
Blackpool Illuminations, check out this page in Wikipedia where I found my information, and for more on the original article, click here.