Images courtesy of J. McCann

Blackpool Illuminations

M

Robe Lighting World Wide Lighting Design Building contractors, J. McCann & Co (Nottingham) Ltd.

oving lights are at the core of the spectacular "Brilliance" installation in Blackpool, UK, a major light art work consisting of 6 elegant

aluminium clad architectural arches traversing the seaside town's Birley Street, combined with additional lighting pods along the surrounding Church, Corporation and Clifton Streets.

The £3.5 million regeneration by light scheme, commissioned by Blackpool Council, has been funded by the Northwest Development Agency, the European Regional Development Fund and Blackpool Council. Blackpool has historically been a city of light and illuminations, and this latest ambitious scheme brings a whole new level of contemporary aesthetics and fun to the

downtown area of the city. It is designed to encourage people to visit and stay into the evening and take advantage of the many restaurants, bars, cafés, clubs and entertainment venues in this lively area. The Birley Street light show takes place

every 10 minutes to an especially composed sound track including a stomping section by the Pet Shop Boys to get everyone in the mood for moving, grooving and having a good time. All the street lights have been replaced by 45 lengths of white LED strip. All the arches are linked with power and data running down the street via three catenaries. Along Church, Corporation and Clifton

Streets, the lighting is encased in the same domes that are integrated into the top of custom columns, looking a bit like super space age street lights! These are located at strategic intervals along the street, casting their beams all around the floor, onto buildings and into the air, effectively creating a scene setting vibe for those about to turn into Birley Street and be blown away by the arches and main piece of light art.

Church Street is pedestrianised, so the lights are set on slow colour, gobo (Goes before Optics) and movement chases, offering the additional flexibility of having special season gobos e.g. snowflakes, suns, etc., swapped in as needed. The fixtures in Corporation and Clifton Streets are used for higher level beam work. Lighting control for all four streets is from a central office half way up Birley Street. An intelligent power management system is incorporated into the control set up which allows power to be cut to any fitting on the site, and also controls the conventional street light dimming via photo cell & dali (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) conversion. The scheme has been a massive success, bringing vibrancy, warmth and fun to the chilly winter evenings as the arches and the lightshow have fast become a local talking point. While at first some were sceptical about the architectural insouciance of the project, now it’s complete, up-and-running and being enjoyed by so many people, the response is overwhelmingly positive.

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