Nostalgia Hit: Blackpool Illuminations

One of the most enduring aspects of the Blackpool Illuminations is its ability to attract top-tier design talent. Over the decades, a plethora of well-known designers and artists have lent their creativity to the event, ensuring that each year’s display feels fresh and relevant.

Renowned cartoonist and illustrator Lawrence Scarfe, known for his work with ‘Punch’ magazine, designed tableaux for the Illuminations during the 1950s. His intricate designs, which often captured the quirks of British life with humor and charm, became a defining aesthetic for the era’s displays.

In more recent times, the likes of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (one of his works shown above from 2009), a British designer famed for his television appearances and flamboyant style, have been involved. Llewelyn-Bowen’s designs have been featured multiple times, infusing the Illuminations with a touch of modern opulence and drama. His works, like the ‘Venus Reborn’ tableau and the revamped ‘Diamond Princess’ tram, have been standout features

Read more about the illuminations and the history on our webite.