BLACKPOOL’S AWARD-WINNING AND RENOWNED LIGHTPOOL FESTIVAL RETURNS AND CELEBRATES ITS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Blackpool’s award-winning and renowned public light-art festival, Lightpool Festival returns this October half term (Wednesday 21st - Saturday 31st October 2026) - and celebrates its ten-year anniversary. Staged across the town at a diverse range of indoor and outdoor venues, the magic of light becomes accessible to all.

Bringing together both local and international artists, community members and local organisations, Lightpool Festival lowers barriers to art and creativity for visitors and residents alike. It builds on Blackpool’s world-renowned Illuminations heritage which has become a key part of the town’s identity and appeal. Featuring extraordinary installations, 3D projection shows, interactive and learning opportunities, and even premieres by some of the world’s leading artists, this year’s Lightpool Festival sees a total of 30 artworks create a magical experience at the iconic seaside town.

The light art trail and community engagement activities are completely free to enjoy, while the legendary Carnival Magic show on Monday 26th October (at the Tower Ballroom) incurs a small charge under five pounds. The Show treats audiences to giant hand-crafted puppets, incredible costumes, powerful choreography and drumming, and promises something unforgettable for all ages.

Lightpool Festival 2026 introduces ten new artworks, one for each year of the festival’s history, including some exclusive world premieres, such as:

• In Love with My Dynamic Soft Elephant by Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE (World Premiere)
• The Ballroom by Doddz Presents (World Premiere) • Super Magic Stone Circle by Daniel Kurniczak (UK Premiere)
• Crystal Tide by Anne Bennett (World Premiere) • What the Gull?! by Caroline Daly (World Premiere)
• Common Ground by students from the Blackpool School of Arts

Some returning favourites include works such as Firefly Field by Studio Toer, Spin Me A Yarn by Studio Vertigo, Blackpool Rock by Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE, the Lightwork’s Tiffany Lamp, and Blackpool Wings by Interior Designer, TV Personality and Blackpool Illumination’s Creative Curator, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Local community groups are a key part of this year’s Lightpool Festival too. The lightwork by the talented Blackpool School of Art students marks 100-years of Blackpool’s Stanley Park, and explores ideas of leisure, ownership of space and reconnection. Aunty Social, a grassroot art organisation, has drawn inspiration from The Bayeux Tapestry’s historic return to England after nearly 1,000 years in France.

In collaboration with local communities and residents through open calls and workshops, Aunty Social has created an impressive 10-metre tapestry which depicts the town’s colourful and meaningful history. Lightpool Festival truly is a spectacular celebration of art, light, culture and community in the heart of Blackpool, inspiring artist’s talent development and creative community engagement.

Lightpool Festival Artistic Director Phil Holmes comments: “I am so incredibly proud of Lightpool Festival, especially as 2026 marks the 10th anniversary. From the artists and local community organisations, the continued support of Arts Council England, to the families and visitors who attend, I am so grateful to everyone for making Lightpool Festival what it is – a truly memorable experience that fosters community building and the passion of young, emerging creatives”.

Leader of Blackpool Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture Lynn Williams comments: “Lightpool Festival is a cherished moment in Blackpool’s event calendar. This year’s programme is set to be truly special, and I am delighted that again, local people, artists, schools, community groups and creative organisations are at the heart of it all. Blackpool brings people together better than anywhere else, and that’s down to our unique character and imaginative communities. Here’s to another ten years and beyond!”.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Lightpool Festival. Blackpool’s public contemporary light art showcase is taking place this October Half Term - 21st - 31st October 2026. Tickets to Carnival Magic will be on sale from Monday 28th September 2026 at lightpool.org.uk.