Illuminations critic is 'out of touch' says curator

Blackpool Illuminations designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has said the leader of Blackpool's Conservative Group is "out of touch" after he criticised this year's display.

Councillor Paul Galley said there had been too much emphasis in recent years on "gigantic art projects" - led by Llewelyn-Bowen - rather than on the resort's traditional tableaux.

He said the displays were no longer "fun, scintillating and exciting".

Llewelyn-Bowen said: "I've always ensured that we keep the heritage as part of the display, I think that's a very important commitment to the legacy, but I love the idea of moving forward."

"We are a different people now and I think it's funny that he (Mr Galley) thinks we should keep the clock turned back," he said.

"I've strived right the way through my tenure to make sure we are embracing modern technology and I think absolutely the illuminations should always reflect the fact that all of us have different tastes."

Mr Galley had said the lights are "more designed to support the personality and the vanity projects of a former TV star that seems to run them and is obsessed with all things art".

Llewelyn-Bowen said Mr Galley "obviously hasn't actually appreciated the Guardians of the North - the three enormous dragons that we've installed on the Comedy Carpet".

"To me that's absolutely what Blackpool Illuminations has always been about - it's about scale, it's about fun," he said.

"By all means I think we should all say what we feel about things, I'll always listen, but I think the Illuminations are in a good place at the moment, they're there to be enjoyed."

Once described as "artificial sunshine", the illuminations - first staged in 1879 - are one of the biggest and longest-running light-based festivals in the world, reportedly attracting more than 12 million visitors a year.

They extend nearly seven miles (11km) along the promenade, starting at Squires Gate and finishing at Red Bank Road.

More than a million LEDs feature in the illuminations.

The features are made using a variety of methods, combining 3D printing with traditional metalcraft and woodwork.

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