Stockport Independent Issue 182

OCTOBER 2024 18 Independent TRAVEL motive is to make the world a softer, more surreal and col- ourful place as a kind of ven- detta against the mundane, concrete world we live in. “With the element of surprise as a shock tactic, our giant pop-up artworks spice up the norm and dis- rupt skylines. “They are instantly seen and enjoyed by everyone who passes by – it might not be high art, but it is definitely high UP art!” Who are the monsters and where can you find them? All will be revealed in the coming weeks when you will be able to download a Mon- ster Hunt map or collect one at the Tourist Information Centre opposite The Black- pool Tower. Spooky times at the seaside CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA THETower Festival Headland will be turned into an out- door winter wonderland with free skating rink, magic forest, snowfalls, log cabins, festive projection shows and themed rides including the awesome Star Flyer. It opens on November 15 and runs through to January 5, 2025. FAMOUS LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHT THE world’s longest running light display is showing every night during our autumn and winter events season, ending on January 5, next year. This year’s seafront dis- play, stretching more than five miles, includes a series of new features. A spectacular new instal- lation by the Illuminations’ creative curator, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen. Entitled DiscoDonkeyCavalcadeisacel- ebration of one of Blackpool’s iconic beach attractions. It sees12donkeysdressed in 70s-inspired swimwear parad- ing on a 16ft high platform, beneath a giant ice cream toppedwith a disco ball! A new tableau, created by Leigh Francis - akaTV star Keith Lemon- features a wildly imag- inative and colourful design incorporating a 12ft tall dino- saur, space ship, astronaut, an airborne BMX bike, and Leigh himself flying through the skies towardsTheBlackpoolTower! A new overhead roadway section pays homage to the hugely popular Aliens feature that graced the Illuminations display several years ago. It has been designed by students at Blackpool Sixth Form and includes 10 individual illustra- tions of Alien life! There is also a larger-than- life Buzz Wire arcade game in which visitors will be able to test their skill and nerve on a specially designed instal- lation reflecting Blackpool’s famous skyline. Created by the Illuminations’ Lightworks team, it can be found on the GoldenMile. For more information on all things Blackpool, head to visit- blackpool.com Switch-on: Mel B did the honours this year BE prepared for the ultimate invasion as a collection of giant inflat- able monsters take over Blackpool’s rooftops this autumn. The Monster Hunt between October 28 and Novem- ber 3 will be one of the big attractions in the resort’s extensive ‘Halloween by the Sea’ celebrations. The hilarious monsters will form a spectacular, family-friendly trail between the Golden Mile and nearby town centre throughout the day and also during the evening when they will be illuminated to glow in the dark. Your job is to hunt them down! The monsters have been created by the renowned inflatable design company, Designs In Air, who have worked for major clients including Glastonbury, Cirque du Soleil and New York Aquarium. One of their design art- ists, Filthy Luker, says: “Our