Blackpool Illuminations design competition attracts global interest. Four finalist vye for £100,000 award.

Four internationally-renowned designers are vying for the unique opportunity to create a spectacular light installation in the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.

The competition, announced earlier this year, has attracted interest from across the globe. Now four teams and individuals have been shortlisted for the final judging when one of them will win a £100k award to take their project from concept to manufacture.

The finalists, whose work will be judged by a panel chaired by Blackpool Illuminations Creative Curator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on November 20, are:

• Guildhall Live Events. Based in London, this prestigious performing arts institution has had its artistic work featured throughout the UK including the British Museum, Glastonbury and the Tower of London.
• Jack Irving. One of Blackpool’s most creative sons, the London-based set and costume designer is widely known for his dazzling work, including the design of costumes for Lady Gaga.
• Lancaster University. The team from one of the UK’s most respected universities has set its sights on creating a concept aimed at turning the Promenade into a playground of light.
• Lisa Ashcroft. The Lancashire-born artist, now based in Australia, is widely respected for her talent and has work featured in private collections in the UK, Cyprus, America, Japan and Spain.

The four were selected from dozens of entries and expressions of interest from artists, designers and creative professionals.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said:

The quality of the entries for this inaugural competition has been outstanding. We have four teams and individuals with very different concepts, but all of them with the potential to create something very special within the 2020 Blackpool Illuminations.

“Once the final judging has taken place, we will be inviting our winner to work with the Blackpool Illuminations team to turn their idea into reality. It promises to be a really exciting journey.”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council and a member of the judging panel, added: “The design competition is intended to help reinvent the Illuminations by creating spectacular installations along the Promenade, giving visitors a very different experience to the traditional drive-through.

“Events such as the annual Lightpool Festival are already providing compelling reasons for people to get out of their cars and enjoy the Illuminations on foot. The winner of this competition will add yet another dimension.”

For further information, please go to www.visitblackpool.com/illuminations