Illuminations brought in two-in-every-five visitors and £300m to Blackpool in 2025

Blackpool’s Illuminations attracted in two-in-every-five visitors to the resort in late summer and autumn last year.

The Lights were the main reason for visiting amongst 40% of visitors to Blackpool during their 18-week run, a survey has found.

Now new estimates suggest these visits generated £300m value for the local economy.

For seven-in-ten survey respondents – both residents and visitors – the Illuminations were their springboard for visiting and spending with other attractions and venues across the town too.

Amongst visitors, 58% spent £100 or more on food, drink and entertainment as part of their visit, including one-third who spent £200 or more on their visit. And of the two-thirds who also stayed over, groups spent an average of £400 per visit.

Similarly, 69% of residents went on to eat out and 52% visited other attractions while enjoying the Illuminations.

Millions of visitors enjoy the Lights every year, taking in the festoons running for six miles along the promenade, the tableaux at Bispham seafront, and large-scale, interactive displays.

Almost all survey respondents – 99% of visitors and 95% of residents – agree the Illuminations are an important part of Blackpool’s identity.

Findings in a report to Blackpool Council’s Tourism, Economy and Communities Scrutiny Committee conservatively estimate the Illuminations add around £300m to Blackpool’s economy each year.

In 2024/25, Blackpool Council invested just over £1.7m in the development, delivery and staffing of the Illuminations – generating approximately £200 spend for every £1 invested, the report said.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and cabinet member for tourism, arts and culture, said: “The Illuminations are one of the brightest jewels in Blackpool’s crown - truly unique, globally recognised, and a defining part of the town’s identity and cultural heritage.

‘’People love them. Generations of families make the trip, year after year - creating memories, passing traditions down, and making the Illuminations part of the national psyche.

“Visitors come from across the Fylde coast and beyond, drawn in by the Lights and staying to experience everything else the resort has to offer. That footfall brings real economic impact. It supports local attractions, businesses, and venues and creates jobs across the town.

“And the Lights are designed and built by the skilled team at Lightworks, showcasing real craftsmanship and creativity right here in Blackpool.

“Investing in the Illuminations isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a no-brainer investment in Blackpool’s identity, talent, heritage, and future.”

Taken from a survey of more than 2,000 visitors and locals (whether Blackpool residents or people who work in the town) other key findings include

Two-thirds of visitors made a trip of it, staying overnight in Blackpool. Most (82%) spent more than £100 on accommodation, and one-in-five spent £500 or more on accommodation;

Around half (45%) of visitors came from elsewhere in Lancashire and one-in-ten (12%) came from outside of England, whether visiting from Scotland (8%) or further afield, including outside of the UK;

People keep coming back for more. Two-thirds (67%) of residents and one-third (35%) of visitors said they saw the Illuminations three or more times last year alone. And 88% of visitors and 81% of residents say they’ll be returning to see them again this year.

 Work is now underway to prepare for the 2026 Illuminations, including creating new features. Toyah Willcox, the 80s chart topper, actress and author, has been chosen as a guest designer to create her own installation this year.