I met Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen as he revealed the dazzling new Blackpool Illuminations ahead of switch on

Blackpool Gazette reporter Lucinda Herbert met Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen as he unveiled some of the brand new Blackpool Illuminations tableaux’s for 2023.

I met the interior designer come TV presenter at the Lightworks Factory, on Amy Johnson Way, and he was full of excitement to show off this year's displays.

It was revealed today (August 10) that internationally-renowned artists Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman, MBE, and Bruce Alfred have designed two spectacular installations for the 2023 Illuminations display.

Dr Burman shared her inspirations for her kaleidoscopic display – called Lollies in Love with Light.

The tableaux contains a techicolour ice-cream van – inspired by her parents’ ice-cream business.

It will be unveiled to the public when the Illuminations are launched on Friday 1 September for a four-month season.

Merseyside-born Burman is celebrated around the world and has produced numerous high-profile works including installations for the Tate Gallery and Covent Garden in London, as well as special commissions for film companies, including Netflix.

Two years ago, she produced an installation called “Blackpool, Light Of My Life” on the front of Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery and vowed to return to design something of scale in the world-famous Illuminations.

Designer and Illuminations curator, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen – spoke passionately about a new-look Spitfire Island - a large-scale installation sponsored by world-renowned model kit company, Airfix.

It features replicas of three Spitfires - Progress I, II and III - all funded by Blackpool residents during World War Two.

These were the scenes as the new designs were revealed today.