New designs are sought for lights

Blackpool council wants to find new designs for the Illuminations

Designers who would like to see their name up in lights are being invited to submit new ideas for the famous Blackpool Illuminations.

The winning designer will receive £3,000 and follow in the footsteps of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen who created a new section for the 2007 display.

The lights have been shining in Blackpool since 1879 when they were described as "Artificial Sunshine".

New ideas should be submitted to the town's council by 3 December 2007.

'So iconic'

Designs can be strung across the road suspended from lampposts or may take a tableaux form - a large picture in lights that stands 7m high and 36m long.

Speaking about his designs, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said: "I was touched, flattered and a little overawed by the concept of designing something quite so iconic.

"The Blackpool Illuminations are such an important expression of Blackpool's reputation as Britain's Vegas."

Entries will be judged by a panel including Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on 6 December 6, when a shortlist will be asked to develop their ideas through to the next stage.