The winning designer will receive £3,000 and follow in the illustrious footsteps of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen who created a stunning road section for the 2007 display. Laurence was the first external designer to be asked to contribute to the six miles of lights and he's agreed to chair the panel of judges in this hunt for fresh talent for 2008.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said: "I was touched, flattered and a little overawed by the concept of designing something quite so iconic! The Blackpool Illuminations are such an important expression of Blackpool's reputation as Britain's Vegas. By creating an Illuminations 'X Factor' I am confident that we will unearth some incredible, new, innovative and exciting ideas for bringing light to the promenade. I can't wait to see the first entries."
Blackpool's world famous Illuminations have been shining since 1879 when they were described as 'Artificial Sunshine'. Now firmly established as a great seaside tradition the lights shine for 66 nights each autumn. Every year new lighting features are introduced and old favourites retired so there's an ever changing display to greet the 3.5 million visitors who come to enjoy this brightly coloured, sea front spectacle.
And it's that new element that Blackpool is putting out to competition. It could be a section like Laurence's strung across the road and suspended from lampposts or budding designers may prefer to have a go at a tableaux - a large picture in lights maximum size 7m high and 36m long.
This is the first time that Blackpool has created a competition giving everyone the chance to be part of this hugely popular tourist attraction. "It may be that you are an established light artist or equally you may be a fledgling designer who has never worked with light. There are no entry criteria to satisfy - Blackpool is allowing anyone with an interest to enter," says a spokesman.
The only requisite criteria for each feature is that it should "stimulate, excite and entertain the audience". Its content can be "provocative, topical, whimsical, contemporary, traditional, utilising any theme the designer desires, subject only to the reasonable standards of decency and taste demanded by today's audiences".
More detailas are available from Michael Wilcock, Blackpool Illuminations Department, Rigby Road East, Blackpool, FY1 5ES. Closing date is Monday December 3 and entries will be judged by the panel including Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on 6 December 6 2007, when a shortlist will be asked to develop their ideas through to the next stage.
(Jim Evans)
