My bruises have bruises. I'm blaming the cheerleading. Review writing is a whole lot less dangerous....
My bruises have bruises. I'm blaming the cheerleading. Review writing is a whole lot less dangerous.
Member since:08.07.2001
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I wrote about Blackpool Illuminations in one of my Business Studies A Level exams – it was the “ultimate example” of extending the market (or, in this case, season) by getting tourists to come not only in summer but up until November too, and is supposedly one of only a few tourist resorts worldwide that manage it.
Growing up, oh, 5 minutes away from Blackpool meant I’ve seen the illuminations at least once a year (usually more – driving back from Blackpool based dancing festivals in autumn meant we almost always got a glimpse of the things) for the past 14 or 15 years. Usually we go on the press preview night (as a lot of locals do) to avoid the crowds. This year though, I was away when the newspaper people were crawling through so we went yesterday.
In 1993, the last year for which I have stats to hand, 8 million visitors were expected – this year it will no doubt be nearer to 20 than 10 million. That was the year that Princes William and Harry also made the local paper when it was learned that they’d been on a trip through
the lights – and stopped off for an ice cream on the prom too…. Speaking of food, Blackpool businesses boom during the lights period as visiting children cannot resist the lure of the seafront stands – everything from pizza and kebabs through to Mr Whippys and of course Blackpool Rock is available, and the places stay open well into the evening.
The lights stretch for over 6 miles (Golden or not) from Starr Gate to Bispham, and in peak season it can take a while to get through. We left about 8pm (I think – whatever time it was after they appallingly bad episode of Buffy had finished and I’d checked my emails) and were passing Squires Gate about 10 mins later. We did the lights both ways and were back about 9.30pm – of course you can cut time if you only go one way along the prom and then return on the back streets.
So what sort of things are on show?
“And I said, “What about breakfast at Tiffany’s?” ”
For years I though this line was due to the hotel, “Tiffany’s” on Blackpool promenade where I always imagined they would serve breakfast, and not the Hepburn film…. To tie in, I guess, with the hotel’s name, outside it we find a display of what I imagine are supposed to be huge, illuminated Tiffany lamps. Along with these we have fireworks, flowers that are at least as old as me and, erm, aliens from outer space. Oh and some light bulbs who look more evil than Word’s automated smiley face.
The Germans love us
Surprised? Ok, technically it may not be true, but they certainly love “Fishermen’s Friend” which come from Fleetwood, just up the coast a bit from Blackpool. Maybe it’s in honour of this, or maybe it’s because the firm are paying for the privilege, but whatever reason, there are some gigantic lit up bags of the stuff as you head up to North Shore. This isn’t the only firm making an appearance – outside one of the (many) McDonalds’ branches we have Ronald himself kicking a ball from one side of the road to the other, and a bit further up Embassy cigarettes are selling themselves (they probably need all the publicity they can get – at least in St Annes, smokers always seemed more partial to B&H or Silk Cut than Number Ones).
Cute Classics and some Familiar Faces
Alice in Wonderland watching the Cheshire cat grin and the mice running up the clock are joined by the Dam Trolls (they’re the ugly flat faced ones – not like the nice Russ variety), Thomas the Tank Engine and our Thunderbirds friends. The My Little Ponies and Mr Men and Little Misses get in on the act down at the far end too. Oh and although the Bicci bears sometimes show up, my old favourites the no-branded Teddies swinging away are sill there too.
“People In The 3rd World Don’t Want To Live On Handouts”
And a big thank you to the people at Oxfam for making sure that phrase is permanently engraved in my mind…. Anyway, they might not want handouts, but the illuminations people certainly do – at both ends and on both sides of the road there are Collection Points where you can donate your hard-earned cash for the privilege of driving along the prom… Not that I’m against donating, but this year they seem to have gone a little OTT with it. Still, you aren’t forced and whether you donate or not, it’s still a cheap night out.
Getting There
Trains stop at Blackpool’s 3 stations and busses pull into the back street bus station on a regular basis. If you are car-less and don’t fancy walking all the way through, illuminated trams can transport you some or all of the way along. If you’re driving, head up the M6 to the M55 and then follow the special Illuminations signs.
The Illuminations will be shining bright until the start of November and if you’ve never been, or have young children, I would recommend a trip, but if you’re a veteran I have to admit that this year’s display is not as good as in
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Living in Blackpool I don't bother to go and see the lights as they always seem to be virtually the same as the year before, besides I hate the crowds of people and last time we went we nearly got caught in the cross fire of a fight, not good with three young kids. They must have some attraction for those that come year in - year out to see them. Will they still come if the Casino's get the go ahead? Claire
Guccilady 14.09.2001 20:43
It was interesting to have an update of what the illuminations are like. I was born in Blackpool but managed to escape at 18!! I did go back very briefly a few years ago. I am not a fan of Blackpool at all and have no idea why anyone is. The illuminations have been going steadily downhill for years, my father was an electrician and worked on them when I was little. I know sometimes you remember things differently when you're small but they just haven't kept up with the times and in comparison to other displays are nothing special. Its a sad demise of a wonderful idea. Nice op, Angie
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Sep 14th, 2001
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