Blackpool Council makes major U-turn on plans to cut short illuminations from November 1 after outcry

Plans to reduce the Blackpool Illuminations display after early November this year have been dropped after sparking an outcry.

Blackpool Council has confirmed that the iconic display will cover the full route from Starr Gate to Bispham all the way through until early January 2027, as has been the case in recent years.

Traders in Bispham were shocked and the council’s Conservative opposition leader threatened to start a petition after a post on Blackpool Tourism’s I Love Blackpool Facebook site said that only the Starr Gate to Gynn Roundabout stretch would be illuminated beyond November 1.

After seeing that, one business owner urged Bispham folk to contact their local councillors and MP over the shock change, saying: “We need the Illuminations at Bispham. It’s where all the families come and without them a lot of businesses will not be able to continue.”

Another said: “For many of us, the autumn and winter seasons rely on the visitors the Illuminations attract.

“This decision won't just affect one business; it has the potential to impact many independent businesses that work incredibly hard all year round.”

Cllr Paul Galley, leader of the Conservative opposition on Blackpool Council, joined Bispham councillor Paul Wilshaw in campaigning against the change and said he and everyone he had spoken to on the matter was shocked, especially at the way the switch was communicated, and that he was working on gathering a petition.

But now, Blackpool Council leader Cllr Lynn Williams has confirmed that the Illuminations will run this year over the full route for the full extended season which has applied since 2020 - and has apologised for any confusion.

Cllr Williams said: “The illuminations will continue unchanged from last year, running the full stretch from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road every night from September 4 this year to January 3, 2027.

“The Illuminations are well loved by everybody and are a crucial part of Blackpool and British heritage.

“We extended the season after the pandemic to help bring a bit more joy to people’s lives, as well as supporting the visitor economy to grow. It’s also the reason why we created Christmas By The Sea, which has been a real success.

"Every year we review how the illuminations offer the best experience for local businesses and visitors.

“When the clocks change and it gets colder, fewer people walk through and bad weather means they need more frequent repairs and costs.

“Our goal, as always, is to put on events to bring as many people as possible to the town to support our visitor economy and jobs within the available resources.

“I’m sorry if this has created any confusion with local businesses. We’ll continue to work with them and understand their views on how we make the illuminations the best they can be going forward.”

Cllr Galley said: "I’m absolutely delighted that the Council has listened to Cllr Wilshaw's campaign and backed the businesses of Bispham.

“This is the right decision, but the council now needs to take a long, hard look at the way it communicates with residents, businesses and councillors.

“Had there been proper consultation and communication from the outset, this situation could have been avoided.

“One opportunity that should now be considered is keeping the Illuminations switched on at Thursday to Sundays only during the November to December period, when visitor numbers remain high.

“This would continue to support local businesses, hotels and attractions while reducing operating costs during quieter weekdays."