Light Up The North is a network of 15 light festivals* across Northern England, which showcases how innovation and creativity in light art can drive positive environmental change.
Supported by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England, our network strengthens the light art sector by fostering collaboration, co-commissioning new works, nurturing emerging artist development and sharing expertise and resources.
Here are just two examples of the work being done towards increasing sustainability.
Blackpool Illuminations: A green transition
The iconic Blackpool Illuminations, often hailed as the greatest free light show on Earth, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of spectacle and innovation. Dating back to 1879, this annual display has evolved into a magnificent six-mile extravaganza of light and art, drawing millions of visitors to Blackpool.
Over the decades, the Illuminations have expanded rapidly, now boasting over one million lamps, 100 miles of festoon lighting and 200 miles of cabling. The sheer scale, encompassing over 500 unique designs and features, is a tribute to the dedicated team of artists, electricians and engineers who work year-round to bring the show to life.
A pivotal moment in the Illuminations’ history was the embrace of LED technology. Recognising the significant energy inefficiency of traditional filament lamps, the team began exploring LEDs in 1999, becoming trailblazers in outdoor LED lighting applications. While early challenges included achieving sufficient brightness and ensuring reliability in outdoor conditions, continuous advancements in LED technology have given remarkable results.
Richard Williams, head of illuminations at Blackpool Council said, “We’ve seen a remarkable 88% drop in energy costs over ten years, with electricity use down by two-thirds, all thanks to LEDs. And it’s not just about saving power. We’re using longer-lasting LEDs, which means far less waste. Plus, we can dim the lights without losing the wow factor, cutting down on light pollution. And, importantly, we’re now running the whole show on renewable energy. It’s about showing real commitment to reducing our footprint.”
Since 2016, Blackpool Illuminations has developed the Lightpool Festival, a contemporary light art public showcase for exciting new artistic and technological collaborations. Underpinning the Illuminations’ display and festival is a growing programme of artists’ talent development and creative community engagement.
Going forward the Illuminations team actively pursues a reduced environmental footprint. This includes a waste reduction and recycling programme, centred on material recycling and the development of reusable lamps. They maintain a commitment to continuous improvement, consistently working to decrease power consumption as LED technology progresses.
Continues…
A Cry for Help by Ben Everard, Lightwaves Salford. Photo: Ben Everard
Cry for Help: Illuminating insect decline through art
Cry for Help is an interactive light sculpture series by Ben Everard, which powerfully conveys urgent environmental messages. Commissioned by Quays Culture and RHS Bridgewater, these captivating insect-inspired forms – a butterfly, bee, damselfly, moth, spider, caterpillar and fly – were displayed at Lightwaves Salford and Glow at RHS Bridgewater to raise awareness of insect population decline.
Ben’s vision, inspired by nature’s intricate patterns, reflects the delicate balance between humans and the natural world. The geometric LED and sensor-based sculptures appear fractured and dim (25% lit) when untouched. However, upon audience interaction, they fully illuminate, symbolising renewal and nature’s vitality when human engagement and awareness are present.
This element highlights the fragile nature of insect populations and our crucial role in their survival, directly addressing concerns intensified by urbanisation and habitat loss.
Mindful of sustainability challenges in public art, Ben prioritised materials with minimal environmental impact. Recycled glass, plywood, plastic, and aluminium were integral to the sculptures, reinforcing the artwork’s themes through its very construction.
Kate Doyle, head of programme at Quays Culture, also added her perspective: “Integrating art with environmental awareness is a key part of our annual programming and Cry for Help was a perfect fit for this ethos. Alongside this, measuring the environmental impact of our festival and taking steps to improve sustainability in every aspect, from light art materials to travel options, is crucial.”
Cry for Help stands as a powerful example of how art can play a crucial role in raising environmental awareness in an engaging and thought-provoking way. Ben is now exploring opportunities to showcase Cry for Help at other light festivals and events to continue to raise awareness about insect decline and environmental issues.
Find out more about Light Up The North.
*Members are Barnsley Bright Nights, BD:Is LiT Bradford, Enlighten Accrington, Illuminate Oldham, Light Night Leeds, Light Night Wigan, Light Night Worcester, Lightpool Festival Blackpool, Light Up Lancaster, Light Up Wakefield, Lightwaves Salford, Lumiere Durham, Nightfall Middlesbrough, Winter Bloom Colne, and Freedom Festival Hull.
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