Illuminations bring £300m cash boost for Blackpool

Blackpool's Illuminations brought in a £300m boost to the resort's economy in 2025.

Two in every five visitors to the seaside town in late summer and autumn 2025 came specifically to see the Illuminations, a Blackpool Council report said.

Council leader Lynn Williams said the footfall from the illuminations "brings real economic impact", supporting local attractions, businesses, and venues and creating jobs across the town.

"Investing in the Illuminations isn't a nice-to-have, it's a no-brainer investment in Blackpool's identity, talent, heritage, and future," she added.

The Illuminations run for six miles along the promenade and include the tableaux at Bispham seafront and large-scale, interactive displays.

Work is now underway in preparation for this year's Illuminations, with singer-songwriter and actor Toyah Willcox chosen as guest designer and creating her own installation.

A survey of more than 2,000 visitors and residents in the resort, commissioned by the council, found the Illuminations were the main reason for visiting amongst 40% of visitors during their 18-week run in 2025.

The authority said estimates suggested these visits generated £300m in value for the local economy.

A council spokesperson said seven out of 10 of the survey respondents - including residents and visitors - ended up spending at other attractions and venues across the town as a result of the lights.

"Amongst visitors, 58% spent £100 or more on food, drink and entertainment as part of their visit, including one-third who spent £200 or more on their visit," they said.

Of the two-thirds who also stayed over, groups spent an average of £400 per visit.

A report to the council's Tourism, Economy and Communities Scrutiny Committee said in 2024-25 the authority invested just over £1.7m in the Illuminations - generating approximately £200 spend for every £1 invested.

Williams said: "The Illuminations are one of the brightest jewels in Blackpool's crown - truly unique, globally recognised, and a defining part of the town's identity and cultural heritage. People love them.

"Generations of families make the trip, year after year - creating memories, passing traditions down, and making the Illuminations part of the national psyche."

She said the lights were "designed and built by the skilled team at Lightworks, showcasing real craftsmanship and creativity right here in Blackpool".

One in 10 (12%) visitors were found to have come from outside of England, either visiting from Scotland (8%) or further afield, including outside of the UK.

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