Walking Tour – Art Installations in Blackpool

Polly Checkland Harding

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Walking Tour – Art Installations

Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool
28 October-2 November 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Bob and Roberta Smith - photography CJGriffiths
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Part of the first ever LightPool Festival in Blackpool, this special walking tour joins together some of the town’s most iconic buildings, and features more than 20 light-art works from local, national and international artists. The installations form an artistic journey during the festival, moving between the socially-minded Art Is Your Human Right by Bob and Roberta Smith, where illuminated words will be hung in eye-catching locations, and Steve Messam’s When the Red Rose which in Blackpool appears as a bright red beacon on the prom. The walking tour will also take in Compagnie Bilbobasso’s performance of Polar, Ron Haselden’s Brothers and Sisters, 34 drawings in light by children, and Santiago by Emma Allen, an animated self-portrait that combines body-painting and light to explore human evolution.  You can start anywhere but we suggest you orientate yourself at Blackpool’s premier gallery The Grundy, currently showing a fabulous exhibition  Neon: The Charged Line and a gorgeous display on the rotunda which looks back to early 20th century designs for the Illuminations.

Where to go near Walking Tour – Art Installations in Blackpool

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Blackpool
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Hauze

Dishing up European plates with plenty of fusion flare, Blackpool’s glitzy restaurant Hauze offers an extensive list of sushi alongside a selection of build-your-own burgers, and many a cocktail.

Abingdon Studios
Blackpool
Gallery
Abingdon Studios

Abingdon Studios is a contemporary visual art studios and project space based in the heart of Blackpool Town Centre.

ARTB&B Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
ART B&B Blackpool

ART B&B Blackpool is a brand new hotel on Blackpool seafront with 18 different themed rooms, curated by leading UK artists.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Blackpool
Hotel
ART B&B

Situated in a classic Victorian seafront hotel, beautifully and completely renovated by 30 contemporary artists, ART B&B allows you to support the arts while you sleep.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Lancashire
Music venue
Bootleg Social

The live-music venue and bar is a hidden gem, standing out against the technicolour nightlife of Blackpool with its own understated edge.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

La Fontana
Blackpool
Restaurant
La Fontana

This cosy, family-run trattoria is perfect for couples and families alike, pairing lovingly-prepared plates of Italian classics with twinkling fairy lights, roman pillars and a fountain.

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