Image source: lightpool.org.uk
Lightpool Festival 2026: Dates, Attractions and Taxi Travel Guide
13 October 2026
Blackpool is set to shine even brighter this October as the award-winning Lightpool Festival returns for its tenth anniversary. Running from 21–31 October 2026, this popular event will bring spectacular light installations, creative artworks, live performances and impressive projection shows to locations across the town.
Whether you are planning a family evening out, meeting friends or visiting Blackpool during the October half-term, Lightpool Festival offers a different way to experience the resort after dark.
Whiteside Taxis is here to help you plan your journey, with convenient local taxi travel across Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and the wider Fylde Coast.
Lightpool Festival 2026: Event Details
- Dates: Wednesday 21 October – Saturday 31 October 2026
- Main art trail: 6 pm–9 pm nightly
- Location: Various indoor and outdoor venues across Blackpool
- Admission: The main festival art trail is free to enjoy
- Suitable for: Families, couples, groups and visitors of all ages
Some individual activities may have separate arrangements or booking requirements, so check the official programme before travelling.
What to Expect at Lightpool Festival
Lightpool Festival celebrates the creative side of Blackpool through light, art and technology. During the festival, familiar landmarks and public spaces become part of an engaging programme of illuminated installations and visual experiences.
Spectacular Light Installations
Explore imaginative artworks created by artists from the UK and around the world. From interactive sculptures to colourful displays inspired by nature, movement and local culture, the festival offers plenty to discover as you explore Blackpool.
Look out for installations such as Medusae, featuring illuminated jellyfish-inspired forms, and Noctilucent, which explores light, atmosphere and movement.
Blackpool Tower Projection Shows
Blackpool Tower provides an iconic setting for spectacular projection experiences. The festival programme includes Tower projections that combine light and visual storytelling to create an impressive evening attraction.
Allow time to explore the surrounding area, take photographs and enjoy the atmosphere before arranging your journey home.
Carnival Magic at the Tower Ballroom
Carnival Magic returns as part of the festival's tenth-anniversary programme, bringing illuminated carnival characters together with music and performance.
This is a particularly interesting option for visitors looking for something beyond a traditional outdoor light trail. Check the official programme for performance details and any specific entry arrangements.
Creative Experiences for Families
Lightpool Festival offers an opportunity for families to discover art in an engaging and accessible way. Interactive installations and imaginative displays can make the evening enjoyable for children and adults alike.
If you are visiting with younger children, plan your route in advance, wear comfortable footwear and allow enough time to explore without rushing.
Planning Your Lightpool Festival Visit
A little preparation can make your evening easier, particularly during the October half-term period.
Choose your evening carefully. The festival runs across eleven nights, so consider a weekday if your schedule allows. Weekends and school holidays may be busier.
Check the official programme. Individual installations, performances and indoor activities may have different locations or arrangements. Confirm the latest information before setting off.
Dress for autumn weather. Blackpool's coastal weather can be cool, windy or wet after dark. Bring warm layers and suitable footwear.
Plan your route. With attractions spread across different locations, decide which installations you want to see first and allow time to travel between them.
Arrange your return journey. If you are planning to stay until the end of the art trail, consider booking your taxi in advance and agreeing on a clear pickup point.
Travel to Lightpool Festival with Whiteside Taxis
Visiting a popular Blackpool event can mean busy roads, limited parking and queues at the end of the evening. Booking a taxi can make getting to and from the festival more convenient.
Whiteside Taxis provides local journeys across Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and surrounding Fylde Coast areas, helping residents and visitors travel to evenings out, attractions and special events.
- Arrange convenient transport to Blackpool for your festival visit
- Plan a return journey rather than searching for transport at the end of the evening
- Travel from Lytham St Annes, Ansdell, Warton, Kirkham and other areas we serve
- Ask about suitable vehicles for families and groups
- Arrange a pickup point that works with your planned itinerary and local access restrictions
For parties of five to eight passengers, contact our team to discuss people-carrier or minibus options.
Travelling from Lytham St Annes or the Wider Fylde Coast?
You do not need to drive into Blackpool to enjoy Lightpool Festival. Whether you are travelling from Lytham St Annes, Kirkham, Ansdell, Warton or elsewhere across our service area, you can arrange your journey with Whiteside Taxis.
For a smoother evening, book your outward journey and discuss your return arrangements before the event. If road closures or pedestrian restrictions affect your preferred destination, follow the agreed pickup instructions.
Make Lightpool Festival Part of Your October Half-Term
Lightpool Festival takes place during the October school holiday period, making it a useful addition to a family break in Blackpool.
You could combine your evening visit with a meal, a walk around the town centre or another attraction during the day. If you are planning several activities, allow enough time between them and check individual opening hours before travelling.
The main art trail offers a free way to enjoy Blackpool's creative side, while the wider festival programme provides additional experiences to explore.
Book Your Lightpool Festival Taxi with Whiteside Taxis
Planning to visit Lightpool Festival between 21 and 31 October? Make your travel arrangements ahead of time and enjoy the event without the added hassle of parking or finding a ride home.
Whiteside Taxis serves Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and the wider Fylde Coast, with booking options for local journeys and planned trips.