Resort's free Lightpool Festival to be extended

Blackpool's annual Lightpool Festival will be extended this autumn so more people can visit during the half-term break.

Light-based art installations, live performances, 3D projection shows and family-friendly activities will form an illuminated trail taking visitors on a journey around the town centre.

The free event, now in its 10th year, will run from 15 October to 1 November.

"We know not all schools break up for half-term at the same time and many of you told us how disappointed you were to miss out on this year's Lightpool Festival because of the original dates," said Visit Blackpool. "So, we've made a change."

The festival, which is staged across a range of indoor and outdoor venues, coincides with the Blackpool Illuminations.

Last year's Lightpool boasted 22 artworks and projection shows, including installations from France, Finland and Spain.

The resort's main thoroughfare - the Golden Mile - featured 21 neon lighting features designed by TV's Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a trio of huge jellyfish on the promenade, and an illuminated Carnival inside the Tower Ballroom.

Supported by Arts Council England, the art trail will be illuminated every evening from 18:00 to 22:00.

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