Blackpool is a town full of firsts: taller, faster rollercoasters, bigger clubs, even the biggest mirror ball in the world plus world-class shows. The spectacular Illuminations, Blackpool's annual razzle dazzle, sees this seaside city of fun still buzzing with excitement and laughter long after other resorts have gone into winter hibernation.
To think it all began, back in 1879, with just EIGHT electric arc lamps when holiday makers tripped the lights fantastic to view what was called artificial sunshine. The basic idea remains but today's six miles of shimmering light; the traditional lamp shares the limelight with fibre optics, lasers and LED technology.