Blackpool Illuminations attract two in five visitors and deliver £300m economic boost
Blackpool Illuminations attracted two in every five visitors to the resort and generated an estimated £300m for the local economy last year, new figures reveal.
A survey found the famous Lights were the main reason for visiting for 40 per cent of people during their 18-week run across late summer and autumn.
Council leader Lynn Williams described the Illuminations as “one of the brightest jewels in Blackpool’s crown”.
She said: “Visitors come from across the Fylde coast and beyond, drawn in by the Lights and staying to experience everything else the resort has to offer.
“That footfall brings real economic impact. It supports local attractions, businesses, and venues and creates jobs across the town.”
The report, presented to Blackpool Council’s Tourism, Economy and Communities Scrutiny Committee, highlights the huge economic impact of the annual event, with millions flocking to see the six-mile display along the promenade.
It estimates the Illuminations deliver around £300m a year to the town’s economy, with visitors spending heavily on accommodation, food, drink and entertainment.
Among those visiting, 58 per cent spent at least £100 during their trip, including one in three who spent £200 or more. Of the two-thirds who stayed overnight, groups spent an average of £400.
The Lights also encourage further spending across the resort, with seven in ten people saying they went on to visit other attractions or venues.
For local residents, 69 per cent said they ate out while visiting the Illuminations, while more than half also visited other attractions.
Almost all respondents said the event remains central to Blackpool’s identity, with 99 per cent of visitors and 95 per cent of residents describing it as important to the town.
In 2024/25, Blackpool Council invested just over £1.7m in the Illuminations, with the report suggesting this generated around £200 of visitor spending for every £1 invested.
The survey of more than 2,000 people also found strong repeat interest, with 88 per cent of visitors and 81 per cent of residents planning to return this year.
Around two-thirds of visitors stayed overnight, with most spending more than £100 on accommodation and one in five spending £500 or more.
Work is already underway on the 2026 Illuminations, with organisers promising new features. Singer and actress Toyah Willcox has been announced as a guest designer for this year’s display.