Resort's free Lightpool Festival set to shine

The popular Spiro - an immersive walk-through tunnel of light experience - returns

Blackpool's 10th annual festival of light gets under way later promising 18 nights of "inspiration and creativity" and "breath-taking installations".

This year's Lightpool Festival has been extended to dazzle alongside the town's famous Illuminations until 1 November.

It will feature the UK premiere of 12 new displays in the free Light Art Trail, projection shows and four live performances, including the return of the Carnival Magic in Blackpool Tower's Ballroom, and drone racing.

Phil Holmes, the festival's artistic director, said the event allows "everyone to experience the power of great light art" and promised this year would be "the most spectacular yet".

Mr Holmes said it will feature "an extraordinary 18 nights of inspiration and creativity" thanks to partnerships nurtured with Arts Council England, Blackpool Council, Tourism BID and local arts organisations and businesses.

"Lightpool has consistently served as a canvas for some of the world's most talented artists, allowing everyone to experience the power of great light art," he added.

A glowing, interactive installation made up of giant dandelions by Amy Jackson is one of the highlights

Highlights of this year's Art Trail, which features a number of world premieres as well as the return of the Spiro - an immersive walk-through sculptural tunnel of light - include:

• Synaptic Lights by Lightspray Visual - a flowing stream of light and colour, like a living neural network

• Sun Glitter By Ant Dickinson – a captivating projection inspired by the way sunlight sparkles on the ocean's surface

• Wish by Amy Jackson - a glowing, interactive installation made up of giant dandelions, captured just as they are about to scatter

• RGB by Scott Chaney - three large-scale, solar-powered sculptures in red, green and blue that interact as visitors approach

Synaptic Lights by Lightspray Visual is another highlight

Live performances during the festival include:

• Carnival Glow on Thursday at the Globe Theatre Pleasure Beach

From the creators of Carnival Magic, Global Grooves, expect thunderous percussion bands and robot drummers, glowing dancers and pyro displays, stilt walkers and giant illuminated puppets.

• Illuminated Drone show on Friday and Saturday at the Globe Theatre Pleasure Beach

Top pilots from across the UK will light up the skies with their racing drones, for an illuminated drone racing showdown.

• Carnival Magic, 27 October, Tower Ballroom

Carnival Magic takes over the Tower Ballroom once again, showcasing a vibrant display of illuminated carnival characters and music.

• Neon Nights: Kids UV Party, 29 October, Showtown

Showtown museum invites you to step into a world of colour, games, music and other entertainment as it shines a light on wartime Blackpool. Even during blackout, dancefloors still came alive with joy, laughter and dancing.

Carnival Magic takes over Blackpool Tower's famous Ballroom once again