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Shedding light
on lanterns From their humble beginnings as a means to light dark nights, Chinese lanterns have evolved into a driving economic force for large parts of China. Although there is no longer a practical need for such
lanterns,
they are still made, used and enjoyed by Chinese people and continue to be a means of artistic expression.
This ancient craft has been transformed and modernised using high tech materials and state of the art lighting to dazzle guests. Just as at Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, where contestants compete each year to create the most impressive costume, participants in the ancient Chinese lantern festivals create bigger and better lanterns year on year. Cited as the forerunner to many such events is the spring festival in the Sichuan Province city of Zigong, known locally as “Lantern Town in the South Kingdom”. It is from here that the lanterns featured in Illuminasia have made the 5,264 mile (8,472km) journey to Blackpool where, for the first time, British audiences will be able to get a taste of the Chinese tradition first hand.
S
et to open on 18 April, Iluminasia is the latest family-friendly addition to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, where it will transform the Olympia arena into a display of traditional Chinese lantern crafts and the latest in lighting technology. Installed at a cost of £3 million ($4.1m/€3.6m), the 45,000 square feet show will span six zones and is the first attraction of its kind in Europe. The lanterns featured are created using steel and angle iron framework covered with vibrant-coloured silk, satin and vinyl. Around 35,000 LED will bring the exhibition to life. “The arrival of Illuminasia in Blackpool brings significant private investment into the town and will take the town’s illuminations heritage to a new level,” says Jon Conway of behalf of promoters ISA. “The attraction utilises what is already an amazing space in the Winter Gardens and transforms it into a sparkling wonderland. Guests will be immersed from the moment they step inside. And it can’t be disrupted by the weather!”
As well as targeting the obvious day trip and short break market, the attraction is also being pitched at groups such as nurseries, schools and colleges. Youngsters and their tutors can enjoy a variety of learning opportunities – everything from tourism and astronomy to Chinese culture and language. Billed as “an East meets West fusion”, Illuminasia is produced by Shanghai Yi Sai Culture Communication, and
Illuminasia Oriental light show arrives in Blackpool
Blackpool’s annual illumination festival is a world- famous event that provides the British seaside resort with a season longer than most others, extending into the first few weeks of winter. As from this Easter, however, a new indoor light show will delight guests throughout the year
Global Entertainment Productions, together with International Special Attractions (ISA).
The project s creating 20 full time jobs and 40 sub contracting roles and is expected to will contribute over £1 million to the local economy in the first 16 months of operation. It is expected that 200,000 visitors will attend in the first year with 10% of these expected to be new, unique visitors to the town. Admission is £12.95 for adults, £9.95 for children, and under 2s go free. Online and group discounts are available.
illuminasia.co.uk
26
APRIL 2014
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