Tag: 1879

World First To Adopt Electric Street Lighting For Illuminations

Blackpool’s introduction of electric illuminations in 1879 was a groundbreaking event in both technological and cultural history. This made Blackpool the first place in the world to use electric lighting for large-scale public illuminations, setting the stage for what would become an iconic annual event that continues to draw millions of visitors every year. At the time, Blackpool was already a well-established seaside resort, attracting large numbers of tourists, particularly in the summer months. The town was known for its entertainment, but as more people visited, there was an increasing need to stand out and offer unique experiences that would… Read more »

The Beginning of Blackpool Illuminations

The Blackpool Illuminations, often called the “Switch-On” lights, started back in 1879 when Blackpool’s council celebrated the first use of electric lights along the Promenade. They kicked things off by spending £5,000 on a trial of electric street lighting. They set up eight arc lamps on 60-foot poles along the seafront. At the time, people were still using candles for light, so this new setup amazed everyone and got nicknamed “artificial sunshine.” These electric lights drew curious visitors to Blackpool, starting an annual tradition that continues to this day. Although the early lamps had a quirky issue—they would often go… Read more »