"A wise decision. Keep all the "covidiots" away who think Blackpool Prom is immune to the virus." Readers have their say after Council announce Blackpool Illuminations will turn off midnight Wednesday

It was a historic year for Blackpool Illuminations, which saw the first ever digital Switch-On event, by the nominated team of key workers, the 'corona heroes.'
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The event in September was the start of an unprecedented four-month run to the long-running spectacle, which Light curator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen hailed a 'beacon of hope' for the resort and the nation in uncertain times.

The Lights extension has been brief - Wednesday night will be the last chance to explore the Illuminations before the Council turn them off in line with the new Government lockdown.

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It will be decided after the national review on December 2, whether to flick the switch again for the festive period.

The Council move prompted huge discussions online following the announcement yesterday.

Read the announcement here: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/blackpool-lights-go-out-illuminations-will-switch-midnight-wednesday-3022527Dave Arnold writing on the Blackpool Gazette Facebook said: "Well done to Blackpool Council for turning the lights off in Blackpool you are saving peoples lives and I heard that Blackpool Pleasure Beach is shutting down as well. Well done you’re doing the right thing it should’ve been done a long time ago.

"And if you disagree, tough cookies. If you are thinking of coming down to Blackpool in the next two days forget it don’t bother coming you’re not welcome."

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Jennifer Parr agreed with his stance, writing: "A wise decision. Keep all the "covidiots" away who think Blackpool Prom is immune to the virus."

Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2020Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2020
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2020

While some agreed it should have been done sooner, others said they would miss the comfort of the resort's famous Lights.

Maureen Carter said: "We really could do with light at the moment shame."

Gayle Buksh said she would welcome back the views of the coast from earlier in the year, her post read:"Glad they're going off Blackpool will be so peaceful, can’t believe how lovely it looked in first lockdown, the beach, the sea was beautiful ."

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Colin Price said the move was 'sad' but a case of 'needs must.' He added: "No social distancing on the Prom, loads not wearing masks etc this should have been done earlier but Blackpool will bounce back, stay safe everyone."

Paul Derbyshire said the decision had come as no surprise.. He said:"Feel so sorry for all the stall holders taxi drivers hoteliers etc who were hoping for an extended season

"(I spent a lot of my working life in tourism taxi and B and B.) But don’t forget in a normal year last night would have been the end of the season."

Susan Highfield said she'd be welcoming back the Lights for next year. She said: "I'm glad they are doing this because Blackpool does not need people travelling to them while Lockdown is on Thursday I'm so glad it is happening and I hope they do come back next year when this is all over."

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Local supporters also discussed the impact the suspension would have on the many businesses, who had looked to the extended season with optimism after summer trade was decimated in the wake of the pandemic.

Rachel Thomson said:" It is really sad though as this lockdown will put last nail in the coffin for so many of these seaside towns. Can’t expect them to bounce back from this. Really hope hope tourism gets it back on it’s feet."

Christopher Jackson echoed the sentiments posting: "Bad news for Blackpool and local businesses and employees who rely on the illuminations."

Hotelier Vicky Mccullough posted: "I've got a hotel, been empty for 17 days now This is such a horrible time, lost thousands of pounds like every other hotel.

"Don't know how we can survive this."

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Samantha Curtis said she'd liked to have seen them stay on to 'give life to the town' in Lockdown.

Charlene Atkinson added: "I think it’s for the best, they bring a lot of tourist and out of towners here and they are asking people to only travel for essential purposes."

Blackpool Tower will remain lit during Lockdown which comes into force nationally on Thursday.

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