Celebrity TV presenter Laurence Llewellyn Bowen surprised guests at Blackpool’s Best Western Carlton Hotel when he helped press the switch on button to launch a bespoke illuminations display for the North Shore hotel.
Laurence, who is well known for his creative flair and his love of Blackpool, has been working on a top secret project with the hotel and the Illuminations team, to produce a set of unique light sculptures as part of this year’s Blackpool Illuminations.
The project has been a significant investment by Starboard Hotels, owners of The Best Western Carlton and will run over a three year period.
“Beyond beautiful” is how Laurence describes the 4-metre high art deco inspired fountain lights he has helped create for a display commissioned by the hotel. For the first time ever, the Best Western Carlton now has its own illuminations display as part of what is hailed as the ‘greatest free light show on earth.’
Richard Ryan, head of Blackpool Illuminations who has worked closely with the hotel team said: “This is the first time in the Illuinatioons history that a Blackpool hotel has had lights of it own and the first time the designs have been inspired by looking back into the lluminations archive for creative inspiration. We are all pleased with the results.”
Kerian Barnes, operations director at Starboard Hotels and based at their northern hub in Chorley said; “The Best Western Carlton is delighted and proud to be associated with this year’s illuminations. We appreciate how important this is for the profile of our hotel and have really enjoyed working with the Illuminations team on such a special project. Working in association with Laurence Llewellyn Bowen has been a brilliant experience for our team and our guests, many of whom have been visiting the hotel for years and are looking forward to seeing the new light show.”
The light sculptures, which weigh a hefty 270 kilos are now in place, featured on lamposts outside the hotel and on the roof of The Carlton as the hotel proudly takes its place in this years Illuminations light show.
Taking time out from his busy filming schedule, Laurence also helped judge the winning entry in a competition to design a backdrop for the Live Wyra production. 11 year old Gang Show member, Jacob Kennedy from Fleetwood was the lucky winner given some encouraging design tips from Laurence before helping the star with the hotel’s switch on outside on the promenade.
Speaking at the hotel switch on Laurence said: “The Carlton is a beautiful hotel and I am delighted that they are showing such great vision in supporting the illuminations. They really want to reflect the heritage and sophistication of Blackpool in the 1930s and by delving into the illuminations archive we have been able to take inspiration from wonderful art deco designs.”
The fountains are lit by a stunning LED light show of pastel colours to compliment the fountain shape. “We wanted to bring back childhood memories from years ago which truly reflect Blackpool’s uniqueness and history,” said Kerian, adding, “We spent hours delving into the archive and with the help of Richard Ryan from the illuminations team we now have something very special for visitors and our guests to enjoy. We all love the designs Laurence has helped create and are delighted to welcome him into our hotel.”
Welcoming Laurence to the hotel in true show business style last Thursday, were the young performers from the Live Wyre Gang Show which is sponsored by The Carlton. The group performed songs from their forthcoming show which is a contemporary twist on Alice in Wonderland.
Blackpool Council continues to fund the Illuminations but increasingly it relies on support from businesses and the general public. “We see our investment in the illuminations over the next three years as an essential part of supporting Blackpool as one of the UK’s most important visitor destinations,” explained Kerian.
Visit Blackpool and Blackpool council work closely together on the Illuminations. This year’s sponsorship of a new light display by the Best Western Carlton has been particularly welcomed. Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We’ve got an incredible Illuminations display lined-up this year and I’d like to thank our sponsors for their continued support in the attraction.