Blackpool Illuminations first began in 1879 and is the world's oldest free light show, going strong with nearly 4million annual visitors. As Creative Lead my role is to ensure its future through creative innovation. In 2016 we launched the LightPool Festival, October 28 - November 2, with the generous support of the Coastal Communities Fund and Arts Council England. 20-30 light art works transformed Blackpool town centre into a luminous playground for 50,000 visitors, with a nightly programme of light and fire performance art, and a conference to boot.