Visit Blackpool has announced that its annual Blackpool Illuminations will incorporate a special tribute to the UK?s medical professionals and care heroes
The autumn illuminations at The Blackpool Tower, which stretches for six miles, has been running for more than 150 years, attracting more than three million visitors every year.
This time, the theme of the illuminations is Bring On The Light, as it intends to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of the NHS, and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a part of the tribute section, VisitBlackpool is inviting nominations that can be included in the Corona Heroes display. As many as 50 successful applicants will have illuminated images of themselves displayed at a newly-created section, close to The Blackpool Tower.
Last month, it was announced that Blackpool Illuminations will be extended by two months, from September 4 to January 3, 2021. It will be the first time that Blackpool Illuminations will take place over Christmas and the New Year.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for tourism and culture, said: ?This year?s Blackpool Illuminations give us the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable efforts of those, who have worked so tirelessly and selflessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our theme Bring On The Light, for this year?s display, is intended to celebrate the nation?s re-emergence from a period of darkness which has seen the worst public health crisis in a generation.?
?The Corona Heroes section will allow us to put just some of our NHS and key workers up in lights,? Cllr Campbell shared, adding that a further tribute within the Illuminations, would be revealed early next month.
To nominate your own Corona Hero, please send a short statement (no more than 200 words) saying the name, age and the reason they deserve to be included at: illuminations.competition@blackpool.gov.uk by July 31.
Successful entries will be chosen by creative curator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and nominees will be informed before August 14, to seek permission and their chosen image to display at this year?s Blackpool Illuminations.
For more information: www.visitblackpool.com
Image credit: Gregg Walstenholme
