Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen tells culture minister Lisa Nandy 'you'd be mad not to make Blackpool City of Culture'
“Blackpool went through a bad patch, places do but actually suddenly this place is starting to feel extraordinarily special again.”
TV personality and designer of Blackpool’s very own world- famous Illuminations Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen told a government minister she ‘would be mad’ not to make Blackpool City of Culture for 2029.
Ahead of the resort’s biggest night of the year, the interior designer told Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in no uncertain terms Blackpool was bursting with culture.
Laurence proudly made the statement during a speech at a special reception prior to the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on, attended by Blackpool born John Robb, Toyah Wilcox who designed her own Blackpool Illumination this year and Amanda Thompson, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
Laurence said: “It really is worth bearing in mind so much of what is so spectacular about the global entertainment industry actual starts in Blackpool. Things like the influence Blackpool Pleasure beach had on the Disney empire, just the fact every single city around the world now seems to have its own light festival and it all comes back to this, the crazy moment 148 years ago when someone decided the most extraordinary thing you could ever give holidaymaking Britons was electricity. To actual bring lights into the streets. This was the first time people could see electrical illumination in the street. It was a sense of commitment to innovation.
“The thing that keeps me coming back like a demented moth to the flame, is the tradition here has always been the celebration and the commissioning of the best possible designs. From Frank Matcham at the ballroom to the Tower itself taking on the Eiffel Tower.
“Blackpool went through a bad patch, places do but actually suddenly this place is starting to feel extraordinarily special again. The story it has to tell it absolutely unbelievable.
“One of things that was lovely this year at the Illuminations was we managed to commission three absolutely astonishing female artists, each Queens in their own area, to create absolutely extraordinary innovative art pieces. Art pieces that are not on podems, they are not something you would go to a museum to see, they re not snooty, they are not posh, they are actually fun, they are cultural, they are invigorating and I think that it was Blackpool does.”
Turning to the Culture Minister Lisa Nandy, Laurence added: “For goodness sake City of Culture you’d be mad not to - duh - because the culture is here. The culture of phenomenal democracy and phenomenal entertainment.”
Blackpool's world-famous Illuminations were officially switched on last night by comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness.
In a 25,000-capacity arena on the Tower Festival Headland, visitors and residents gathered to witness performances from Lucy Spraggan, The Feeling and Five before the famous Switch-On moment illuminated six miles of spectacular light installations stretching along Blackpool's Promenade.
Paddy McGuinness said: “It’s a huge honour to be here in Blackpool to switch on the world-famous Illuminations. Growing up in the North West, I spent many happy days here with family and friends, and some of my favourite childhood memories are of walking through the lights with a bag of chips in hand.
“What’s so special is that generations of families are still creating those same memories today. The Illuminations are part of the fabric of family life and there’s nowhere quite like Blackpool when the lights are shining.
“To be asked to perform the Switch-On in front of 25,000 people is an incredible privilege and a moment I’ll never forget. It’s a night that means so much to so many people, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Speaking after the event, Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “It’s been a fantastic night and we are grateful to all the performers and Switch-On star Paddy for launching the 2026 Illuminations season with a bang.
“The Illuminations remain one of Britain's most treasured visitor experiences and continue to attract people to Blackpool every year when other resorts are closed for the winter. They play a crucial role in extending the tourism season, supporting local businesses and showcasing the resort on a national stage.”
Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Nights like this prove why there’s nowhere quite like Blackpool and provide yet another compelling reason why we should be City of Culture in 2029.
“The Illuminations Switch-On brings thousands of people together for a fantastic celebration, offering entertainment on a huge scale that is free for everyone to enjoy. It captures the energy, warmth and showmanship that Blackpool is famous for, bringing communities and visitors together and creating unforgettable shared experiences. It is quite simply what Blackpool does best, and demonstrates the powerful role culture plays in our town.
“We would like to thank everyone who joined us this evening and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK and beyond to experience the magic of the Blackpool Illuminations over the coming months.”