I love Blackpool. It might be run down and shabby in a lot of places, but I love the illuminations, Coral Island, Chris Higgits vintage arcade and amazing £1 burger, and the Galleon Bar with it's 80's memorabilia with camcorders and keyboards, etc decorating it. Best experience so far was a concert in the winter gardens empress ballroom
Blackpool has seen better days, but there's so much money being plowed in, and so much work being done to regenerate the town that I think a decade from now, Blackpool will see a new era of prosperity. The people deserve it. They're working hard to revive it
Always used to go as a kid. Tradition was we’d get the tram up to Bispham, but always looking to the right so we didn’t see the placards and spoil what was to come. We’d then walk all the way back to where we were staying, that was normally on Alexandra Road. Couple of years ago took my son and started the tradition with him.
Another great video from yourself. As a local resident and defender to criticism of Blackpool, you show Blackpool in a very positive light, highlighting what you great place it actually is to visit and live in the UK. Thanks again. Rob.
I believe blackpool illuminations are the reason why I am so fascinated with flashy lights. To hear they cost less than £2m a year to run is surprising given how many there are.
I was surprised to know from yourself that the illuminations at Blackpool were started in 1879. They've always been an incredible show of varying lights over the years, but they are so incredible nowadays with the lighting technology. I real grand video, Darren. Thank you.
My happiest memories of the illuminations was in the 1980s! They were just magical, the work and creativity that went into them was nothing short of phenomenal. Have not been to Blackpool for a long time, I think the last time was the mid 90s. I just don’t think they have the magic they once had. They seem lazy, sparse and uninspiring. I remember years ago buying a book called “From Lamps to Lasers” and it’s all about the history of the Blackpools illuminations, it’s rammed with pictures and history. I think it would be right up your street Darren! Absolutely brilliant as always Darren, sir!
My mother took us to see the Illuminations just before we emigrated to Canada in 1956. I remember being fascinated by the illuminated trams rolling along the street.
Cool stuff. Theres some historical items regarding design of the illumations in the Blackpool entertainment museum near coral island. Lots of sketches etc.
What a fab story of how it began. Never knew any of that . Thank you Darren for keeping us “enlightened “. Great video. Well presented. You are a genius.
An amazing and informative look at the illuminations and Blackpool's place in the history of groundbreaking technology and tourism. Our ancestors here in the town certainly had foresight and initiative that has sadly been lacking for some years now but there is an amount of regeneration and development taking place and hopefully Blackpool will regain it's respect and cast off the run-down image of late. Well done for presenting us with such a pleasing and upbeat little journey.
If I come back to Blackpool next year I will come to see the lights. This year I was early - by the end of June - but I could witness how much work is the installation…
Morning, brilliant vlog, love seeing the lights and the fireworks displays, love the tabloids,takes me back to when I was younger, the lit up trams are amazing,we went on the Rocket in October 42 years ago, fabulous 🤩. Thanks for sharing,I'll be sending this to the family to watch. Keep up the good work you're doing, take care bye for now 😊xx
Wow wow 😻 das ist ja ein schönes Spektakel. Von Las Vegas habe ich noch nichts gesehen,ich kenne nur die Lichter Schau in Magdeburg. Aber das ist zwar schön anzusehen aber sehr klein. Blackpool ist super schön 👍🏻👍🏻. Ein Magnet für Spaziergänge oh ja. Thank you Darren ❣️❣️👍🏻 Zauberhaftes Video
Bispham is the second oldest area of Blackpool, lots of people think it isn't Blackpool but it certainly is 👍 be good to visit Jubilee Gardens at Gynn Square as well whilst that is illuminated as well. Brilliant video 😊
Born and bred and still here at 33. Although we tend to drive the lights once a year now due to disability. We have over time learnt when to go though. We once were stuck in the traffic for 4.5 hours.
Thanks for that pal, Me and my wife just watched that video Some great memories for us, We also learned some things there very interesting the way you do that. I love your enthusiasm for Blackpool Please keep it up we need people like yourself To keep showing the many sides of Blackpool. It still is a great attraction. Gerry.
The photo image at 1:19 is a amazing point in time of life in the past. Darren, love your description of Las Vegas or as we call it "Lose Vegas." What, no bathroom reviews? Thanks again for another enjoyable watch of Blackpool history.
PMSL Darren my mum came out with tthe same saying if left lights on in the house! ...its OBV a northern saying as we all visited blackpool as kids (and adults) from up north! AND even though im down Bristol i still use the saying even now if too many lights are on in the house! 😂
Sadly the tableaux have not been changed since probably the 1990's. Never understood why the council never invited big businesses to create their own. Yes it would be advertising but it would create a real spectacle.
There has been new additions in recent years to the Tableaux boards, Keith Lemon this year, for instance, and Lollies in Love with Light the year before by renowned artist Dr. Singh. Coral Island and Elgin Hotel sponsor illuminations down there as well, except Elgin is currently resting.
Fair play for pointing out that it's considered that the illuminations are not the same as they used to be and very sparse in areas. I've seen from other tubers that it's very sparse between South Pier & Central pier for example. The lights are a poor reflection in comparison to the 80's and 90's for example...though there was a start of a decline when Coronation Street actors were appearing in lights (around Pleasure Beach area) for goodness knows why when the illuminations are more targeted at kids. There were a few tableaus at the New South Promenade to Pleasure beach area in the past but not any more. They are a sad reflection of what they used to be and I'm sure they could do better with the lights and fill the sparse areas better. I'm sure the Pleasure Beach makes more than enough money to throw their sponsorship behind some lighting!
What, no shower scene?!! Don't tell us, it took part under the pier, but it was dark... Hahaha!! The LCDs are improving, now that more colours are available, but the truth is, we've all forgotten how to appreciate these things, now that our world is less mundane.... Lovely atmosphere though X
I'm surprised more businesses don't illuminate their frontages. With LEDs and solar panels becoming ever more efficient, it would cost nothing to run after the installation. I ran security lighting in the garden all year round, purely from solar.
2 old illumination trams are currently in tram town which need restoring, rocket and hover tram, there has been previopus ones such as blackpool Belle, but was scrapped, also the hertiage tram system is still struggling and i hope you can do a video advertising them and explaining how bad things have gotten, they only run 5 or 6 trams now, it can be either 3 balloons, 1 railcoach 1 boat, 1 millennium balloon and bolton 77
@@AdventureMe yeah I know I've seen them, but the situation is dire now, it's only a few trams usable and outside of these gold weekends it's 2 or 3 trams a day
Living in Heckmondwike we are always told that the "Lights" were originally in Heckmondwike before moving to Blackpool. Here is an extract from a local paper written some years ago and wondered if you could "shed any light on it?" "Though Heckmondwike will be lucky to see three streets decorated this year, folklore has it that illuminations were first born there. And people say the idea for the world's most famous illuminations in Blackpool were copied from their town. Howard Hardcastle, who for 14 years organised the town's display, said illuminations were invented in 1885, when gas lights threw 6ft plumes of fire high across town- centre streets. "Legend has it that it all started here, though nothing is written down," he said. "Heckmondwike was self-contained. It had its own council, gas works and power station. "I've looked into it and it was probably councillors who had the idea of having illuminations. You can still see the gas fittings on some of the buildings." Though the history is murky, according to folklore and T&A cuttings, representatives from Blackpool visited Heckmondwike in the 1930s when the town had converted its light show to electric bulbs." Do you have any knowledge of this?
It might be rose tinted glasses, but the illuminations today don't seem anywhere close to how magnificent they were when I was a child in the 1970's. There seems to be less sparkle, an less of them.
The Daleks appear to have .... been enhanced ... ? Bit dodgy. Growing up near Southport I remember watching the green lasers from home, across the Ribble estuary. When at the lights I used to like Star Gate best as it was subtle, a few coloured bulbs in relatively dark streets. Further along, once the businesses on the front became Vegas-like in the 80s they swamped the lights. As a child I was fascinated by a wooden box on the prom with a sparkling light display inside which you looked at through a hole. I now know I was peering through the vent holes of a relay switching box! Technology and health & safety have definitely advanced since then.
@@AdventureMe I’ve absolutely no recollection of that but I wasn’t driving then and would have just been sat in the back of the car, starring at the lights haha. I do think the light pool attractions have definitely added to it and it also encourages folk to get out their cars and walk around, which can only help the local economy
@@jasoncampbell293 Yeah they used to guide you in from the motorway at starr gate and funnel you out at bispham and back to the M55 on the back roads. It's was four lanes of traffic down the prom. Now only wide enough for two lanes at certain points.
@@AdventureMe that makes sense mate. I live here and it can be a pain, as a local, just trying to get anywhere once the lights are on so any traffic management is good
![A drive through Blackpool Illuminations [Full tour!]](/img/1.gif)
I love Blackpool. It might be run down and shabby in a lot of places, but I love the illuminations, Coral Island, Chris Higgits vintage arcade and amazing £1 burger, and the Galleon Bar with it's 80's memorabilia with camcorders and keyboards, etc decorating it. Best experience so far was a concert in the winter gardens empress ballroom
Blackpool has seen better days, but there's so much money being plowed in, and so much work being done to regenerate the town that I think a decade from now, Blackpool will see a new era of prosperity.
The people deserve it. They're working hard to revive it
I totally agree!
I vowed never to return after witnessing two people having sex in the street ! it felt like a debouched place after that.
Always used to go as a kid. Tradition was we’d get the tram up to Bispham, but always looking to the right so we didn’t see the placards and spoil what was to come.
We’d then walk all the way back to where we were staying, that was normally on Alexandra Road.
Couple of years ago took my son and started the tradition with him.
Love it
Bookmarked for later! Always good to get a Darren-shaped dose of adventure and fun, to round-off the weekend!
Great video on the history of Blackpool illuminations . Very interesting Darren. We always visit in October for a few days. Thanks for showing 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it
Another great video from yourself. As a local resident and defender to criticism of Blackpool, you show Blackpool in a very positive light, highlighting what you great place it actually is to visit and live in the UK. Thanks again. Rob.
Yes. I appreciate it for its history. Love Blackpool
Wonderful video - thank you so much! I guess we can now see what you were filming when you gatecrashed Wild Side's livestream. 😁
Flashing lights warning ⚠️
Yes. Exactly that
🤣🤣That made me LOL....my dad was always saying it if we left lights on🤣🤣
I believe blackpool illuminations are the reason why I am so fascinated with flashy lights.
To hear they cost less than £2m a year to run is surprising given how many there are.
I was surprised to know from yourself that the illuminations at Blackpool were started in 1879. They've always been an incredible show of varying lights over the years, but they are so incredible nowadays with the lighting technology. I real grand video, Darren. Thank you.
My happiest memories of the illuminations was in the 1980s! They were just magical, the work and creativity that went into them was nothing short of phenomenal. Have not been to Blackpool for a long time, I think the last time was the mid 90s. I just don’t think they have the magic they once had. They seem lazy, sparse and uninspiring.
I remember years ago buying a book called “From Lamps to Lasers” and it’s all about the history of the Blackpools illuminations, it’s rammed with pictures and history. I think it would be right up your street Darren!
Absolutely brilliant as always Darren, sir!
Yes it would. I'll look out for that
@@AdventureMe you will find that book on the world famous auction place now for 5 99 Darren!
My mother took us to see the Illuminations just before we emigrated to Canada in 1956. I remember being fascinated by the illuminated trams rolling along the street.
That was so interesting. I went to see these as a child and loved them!
Thank you for another brilliant video of the history of Blackpool, look forward to another.
More to come!
Artificial sunshine is really needed in Blackpool
Great history lesson cheers xxx
No problem
Cool stuff. Theres some historical items regarding design of the illumations in the Blackpool entertainment museum near coral island. Lots of sketches etc.
Showtown 👍 it's brilliant in there.
What a fab story of how it began. Never knew any of that . Thank you Darren for keeping us “enlightened “. Great video. Well presented. You are a genius.
An amazing and informative look at the illuminations and Blackpool's place in the history of groundbreaking technology and tourism. Our ancestors here in the town certainly had foresight and initiative that has sadly been lacking for some years now but there is an amount of regeneration and development taking place and hopefully Blackpool will regain it's respect and cast off the run-down image of late. Well done for presenting us with such a pleasing and upbeat little journey.
If I come back to Blackpool next year I will come to see the lights. This year I was early - by the end of June - but I could witness how much work is the installation…
Morning, brilliant vlog, love seeing the lights and the fireworks displays, love the tabloids,takes me back to when I was younger, the lit up trams are amazing,we went on the Rocket in October 42 years ago, fabulous 🤩. Thanks for sharing,I'll be sending this to the family to watch. Keep up the good work you're doing, take care bye for now 😊xx
Wow wow 😻 das ist ja ein schönes Spektakel. Von Las Vegas habe ich noch nichts gesehen,ich kenne nur die Lichter Schau in Magdeburg. Aber das ist zwar schön anzusehen aber sehr klein.
Blackpool ist super schön 👍🏻👍🏻.
Ein Magnet für Spaziergänge oh ja.
Thank you Darren ❣️❣️👍🏻
Zauberhaftes Video
Great video Darren, an amazing history of this attraction. I'd say it was fine bit of light entertainment... 8^) Cheers!
Fantastic and very interesting Darren
Many thanks
Bispham is the second oldest area of Blackpool, lots of people think it isn't Blackpool but it certainly is 👍 be good to visit Jubilee Gardens at Gynn Square as well whilst that is illuminated as well. Brilliant video 😊
Ah fab! Love the Illuminations!
Another great video, absolutely love Blackpool whatever anyone thinks of it, and the Illuminations are such an atmosphere
Yeah such childhood memories too
Born and bred and still here at 33. Although we tend to drive the lights once a year now due to disability. We have over time learnt when to go though. We once were stuck in the traffic for 4.5 hours.
Thanks for that pal, Me and my wife just watched that video Some great memories for us, We also learned some things there very interesting the way you do that. I love your enthusiasm for Blackpool Please keep it up we need people like yourself To keep showing the many sides of Blackpool. It still is a great attraction. Gerry.
Thanks mate.
hello. i am sharing the whole series on twitter Blackpool. great work! thanks. i have not watched this episode yet. greetings from the Netherlands
Thanks. Glad you liked it
Great video Darren. I didn't even know about the tableaux at Bispham! I'll have to try and see them next time I'm there for the illuminations 😊
Glad to help haha
Neither of us felt that well last night, so we went to bed early... Watched this tonight... well worth the wait :-)
Thanks
Nice one Darren loved the vintage photos 🗼
Thanks 👍
People knock Blackpool. But i love it and cant wait for all the improvements over the next few years.
👍very informative.
The photo image at 1:19 is a amazing point in time of life in the past. Darren, love your description of Las Vegas or as we
call it "Lose Vegas." What, no bathroom reviews? Thanks again for another enjoyable watch of Blackpool history.
Glad you enjoyed it
Just thinking here: That image at 1:19 would make a great photo-fade.
@@jetsons101 It would. But I'd have to get on some roofs haha
@@AdventureMe Charge the rent of a ladder to me....... LOL
Time to light up the BBQ -- it's a Sunday thing.
Another great vlog
Thanks again!
If I were one of the organisers, I'd forever be worried that, if one bulb blew, the entire set would go out!!
PMSL Darren my mum came out with tthe same saying if left lights on in the house! ...its OBV a northern saying as we all visited blackpool as kids (and adults) from up north! AND even though im down Bristol i still use the saying even now if too many lights are on in the house! 😂
Brilliant video
Sadly the tableaux have not been changed since probably the 1990's. Never understood why the council never invited big businesses to create their own. Yes it would be advertising but it would create a real spectacle.
Yes. That would be good
There has been new additions in recent years to the Tableaux boards, Keith Lemon this year, for instance, and Lollies in Love with Light the year before by renowned artist Dr. Singh. Coral Island and Elgin Hotel sponsor illuminations down there as well, except Elgin is currently resting.
Fair play for pointing out that it's considered that the illuminations are not the same as they used to be and very sparse in areas. I've seen from other tubers that it's very sparse between South Pier & Central pier for example. The lights are a poor reflection in comparison to the 80's and 90's for example...though there was a start of a decline when Coronation Street actors were appearing in lights (around Pleasure Beach area) for goodness knows why when the illuminations are more targeted at kids. There were a few tableaus at the New South Promenade to Pleasure beach area in the past but not any more. They are a sad reflection of what they used to be and I'm sure they could do better with the lights and fill the sparse areas better. I'm sure the Pleasure Beach makes more than enough money to throw their sponsorship behind some lighting!
Yes. It needs some investment
you should take a holiday to Bridgwater carnival......
There was a great rivalry between the Walsall ones and Blackpool. I'm sure they swapped items. Would like to know where they ended up
What, no shower scene?!! Don't tell us, it took part under the pier, but it was dark... Hahaha!!
The LCDs are improving, now that more colours are available, but the truth is, we've all forgotten how to appreciate these things, now that our world is less mundane.... Lovely atmosphere though X
I'm surprised more businesses don't illuminate their frontages. With LEDs and solar panels becoming ever more efficient, it would cost nothing to run after the installation.
I ran security lighting in the garden all year round, purely from solar.
2 old illumination trams are currently in tram town which need restoring, rocket and hover tram, there has been previopus ones such as blackpool Belle, but was scrapped, also the hertiage tram system is still struggling and i hope you can do a video advertising them and explaining how bad things have gotten, they only run 5 or 6 trams now, it can be either 3 balloons, 1 railcoach 1 boat, 1 millennium balloon and bolton 77
Yeah I've done a few videos at tramtown. Check them out.
@@AdventureMe yeah I know I've seen them, but the situation is dire now, it's only a few trams usable and outside of these gold weekends it's 2 or 3 trams a day
Highly recommend the ride the lights in August they shut the prom between 6.30 and 10.30 just bikes with lights on them riding through the lights
Yeah I've always missed it. Wanted to do that
Living in Heckmondwike we are always told that the "Lights" were originally in Heckmondwike before moving to Blackpool. Here is an extract from a local paper written some years ago and wondered if you could "shed any light on it?"
"Though Heckmondwike will be lucky to see three streets decorated this year, folklore has it that illuminations were first born there.
And people say the idea for the world's most famous illuminations in Blackpool were copied from their town.
Howard Hardcastle, who for 14 years organised the town's display, said illuminations were invented in 1885, when gas lights threw 6ft plumes of fire high across town- centre streets.
"Legend has it that it all started here, though nothing is written down," he said.
"Heckmondwike was self-contained. It had its own council, gas works and power station.
"I've looked into it and it was probably councillors who had the idea of having illuminations. You can still see the gas fittings on some of the buildings."
Though the history is murky, according to folklore and T&A cuttings, representatives from Blackpool visited Heckmondwike in the 1930s when the town had converted its light show to electric bulbs."
Do you have any knowledge of this?
That. I didn't know. If you have any more info. Let me know.
It might be rose tinted glasses, but the illuminations today don't seem anywhere close to how magnificent they were when I was a child in the 1970's. There seems to be less sparkle, an less of them.
The Daleks appear to have .... been enhanced ... ? Bit dodgy.
Growing up near Southport I remember watching the green lasers from home, across the Ribble estuary.
When at the lights I used to like Star Gate best as it was subtle, a few coloured bulbs in relatively dark streets. Further along, once the businesses on the front became Vegas-like in the 80s they swamped the lights.
As a child I was fascinated by a wooden box on the prom with a sparkling light display inside which you looked at through a hole. I now know I was peering through the vent holes of a relay switching box! Technology and health & safety have definitely advanced since then.
❤❤👍👍😊😊
morning darren just a quick question,did you ever do a video on the woodhead tunnels??
No I haven't. But done standedge tunnels
@@AdventureMe okay no probs, yes, seen the Marsden and standedge video ,many thanks... think I've got mixed up with the Martin zero one👍
What year was the prom one way for the lights mate?
Pretty much as far back at least as the 90s and until mid 2010's. Once they built the pedestrian bit near the tower, they couldn't do it anymore.
@@AdventureMe I’ve absolutely no recollection of that but I wasn’t driving then and would have just been sat in the back of the car, starring at the lights haha. I do think the light pool attractions have definitely added to it and it also encourages folk to get out their cars and walk around, which can only help the local economy
@@jasoncampbell293 Yeah they used to guide you in from the motorway at starr gate and funnel you out at bispham and back to the M55 on the back roads. It's was four lanes of traffic down the prom. Now only wide enough for two lanes at certain points.
@@AdventureMe that makes sense mate. I live here and it can be a pain, as a local, just trying to get anywhere once the lights are on so any traffic management is good
The BBC wouldn't be allowed to sponsor the lights, where did you get that from? Unless of course BBC meant Blackpool Borough Council.😀
Well not them directly. But BBC programmes have featured.