A row has broken out between a Conservative councillor and TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen over Blackpool Illuminations.
Mr Llewelyn-Bowen was accused by Councillor Paul Galley of turning the annual attraction into a “vanity project” rather than maintaining its traditional appeal.
The Changing Rooms star has served as Creative Director of the Illuminations since 2010.
The television personality fired back at Councillor Galley, the leader of Blackpool’s Conservative Group, who he labelled as “out of touch.”
Mr Llewelyn-Bowen defended his approach by emphasising his dedication to preserving the display’s heritage whilst pushing boundaries.
“I’ve always ensured that we keep the heritage as part of the display, I think that’s a very important commitment to the legacy, but I love the idea of moving forward,” he told the BBC.
The designer pointed specifically to his latest additions, including smoke-breathing dragons installed on the Comedy Carpet, known as the Guardians of the North.
“To me that’s absolutely what Blackpool Illuminations has always been about – it’s about scale, it’s about fun,” he said.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has been the Creative Director of the illuminations since 2010
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He added that throughout his tenure he has worked to embrace modern technology whilst acknowledging that visitors have varied tastes.
The councillor raised pointed questions about accountability, challenging who had granted Mr Llewelyn-Bowen the authority to determine the direction of the Illuminations.
“His comments raise serious questions about governance and decision-making within this Labour-run council department,” Councillor Galley stated.
He has now responded to Mr Llewelyn-Bowen’s comments, saying: “If standing up for Blackpool residents and visitors makes me out of touch, I’ll wear that badge proudly, unlike dogs in dresses, which many feel belong on a fashion catwalk, not the Promenade.”
The illuminations is one of the world’s oldest light festivals
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The Tory Councillor also took particular issue with what he perceived as the designer’s dismissive attitude towards criticism.
He said: “Laurence tells us ‘we should all say what we feel, I’ll always listen’, before immediately declaring that the illuminations are ‘in a good place at the moment.’
“That doesn’t look much like listening, it looks like shutting the conversation down the moment someone disagrees.”
Councillor Galley insisted the Illuminations should represent Blackpool as a whole rather than serving as “a personal art exhibition” reflecting one individual’s preferences.
The Illuminations have been drawing visitors to the Lancashire resort since 1879
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Council Leader Lynn Williams came to Llewelyn-Bowen’s defence, dismissing Galley’s criticisms as unrepresentative of wider opinion.
The Labour Councillor who represents the Claremont ward said: “I and millions of others disagree with Cllr Galley. He hasn’t made known to me or anyone at the Council of anyone who holds these views, other than himself.”
“I choose to promote Blackpool and our illuminations.
“People travel from all over to see them and we should be proud of Blackpool’s role in British culture. The history of the illuminations is innovation, entertainment and artistry.”
Councillor Galley took aim at the TV presenter
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The Illuminations have been drawing visitors to the Lancashire resort since 1879, stretching nearly seven miles along the promenade and featuring over a million LEDs.
Once dubbed “artificial sunshine”, the display reportedly attracts more than 12 million visitors annually.
It remains one of the world’s longest-running light festivals, continuing this season until January 4, 2026.