Blackpool Illuminations switched on for the first time
- When
- 1879
- Where
- Promenade
- Episodes
- 1
The Blackpool Illuminations began as an annual lights festival in September 1879. The inaugural display consisted of eight carbon arc lamps that bathed the Promenade, described as 'Artificial sunshine'. Local businesses requested the event, establishing a tradition that continues in the seaside resort.
Episodes
Background and detail
Background. Blackpool Illuminations is an annual lights festival held in the British seaside resort of Blackpool. The tradition started on 18 September 1879. The event was requested by the local chamber of trade and other businesses, who asked Blackpool Council to stage it in September of that year.
Inaugural Display. The first display in 1879 consisted of eight carbon arc lamps. These lamps bathed the Promenade and were described as 'Artificial sunshine'. This occurred twelve months before Thomas Edison patented the electric light bulb, marking an early use of arc-lighting technology in the resort.
People involved
- Local Chamber of Trade · Requester
- Blackpool Council · Staging Authority
Sources
- Blackpool Illuminations Wikipedia, revision of 2026-03-23
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