Illuminations return for a second outing post Lockdown as resort gets ready for Christmas

Blackpool will be alight once more tomorrow night as the extended Illuminations return after a brief suspension amid the national lockdown.
Blackpool Illuminations return on December 2Blackpool Illuminations return on December 2
Blackpool Illuminations return on December 2

As the resort marks day one under new Tier three restrictions the world famous Illuminations will once again burst into light to bring some added festive cheer as the countdown to Christmas 2020 begins.

Blackpool Council had announced an added three month run to the Illuminations season this year, which would see the lights display continue through the Christmas and New Year period. The first time in the history of the Lights.

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But the Lights were brought to a halt, at the start of the national lockdown in early November, with bosses unsure if they could make a return.

Tomorrow night, December 2, the seafront Illuminations will now return as part of a 'much-enhanced winter offer.'

This will also include new Christmas lighting displays in the town centre and a 40ft tree in St John’s Square, delivered in association with the Town Centre BID.

The displays will run nightly until January 3.

Coun Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for Tourism & Culture for Blackpool Council, said: “This is about giving our local residents some much-needed festive cheer.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach grotto arrives this weekend December 5 with a Covid secure experienceBlackpool Pleasure Beach grotto arrives this weekend December 5 with a Covid secure experience
Blackpool Pleasure Beach grotto arrives this weekend December 5 with a Covid secure experience
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“Months of restrictions have put a dampener on a large part of this year. The return of the Illuminations complemented by a significant investment in town centre lighting will definitely help lift the mood in the run-up to Christmas.”

Michael Williams, chair of the Town Centre BID, added: “Given the circumstances of this year, it is important that our town centre businesses get the best possible chance to recoup some of the losses incurred during lockdown in the run-up to Christmas. We encourage everyone in Blackpool to shop local and support our retailers.”

Elsewhere across the resort, the team at Blackpool Zoo revealed their doors would reopen, inviting people to explore their outdoor exhibits.

A post on Facebook read: "We can’t wait to see your happy faces around the zoo once more and would like to thank everyone who has sent supportive messages throughout November and all who have purchased Black Friday deals and renewed their memberships to support us.

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"We will be in Tier 3 restrictions so we are unable to open indoor viewing areas of our animal houses or indoor seating areas – but stick your wellies on, dig out your woollies, wrap up warm and enjoy plenty of fresh air as you explore the zoo.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming you all back."

With lockdown lifted Father Christmas will also be making his very first stop to the resort to spread some festive cheer for families at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Doors will open on a new interactive grotto experience at the theme park this weekend, giving children a walk through a winter wonderland and the chance to have a Covid secure chat with the big man himself.

While the special visit may be slightly different to previous years managing director of BPB Amanda Thompson OBE, said the team had wanted to deliver on their annual events, she said: “We love celebrating Christmas at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and always pride ourselves on delivering special seasonal events.

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“It has been a very strange time for us all and we can’t wait to sprinkle some festive magic for all the families at our fabulous Christmas Grotto.”

The grotto opens on December 5, with online tickets from £13.99 per child.

In line with the current government COVID-19 regulations, Blackpool Pleasure Beach asks that visitors wear a face covering at all times and ensure social distancing is in place.

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, please visit:

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