Illuminated Blackpool

 by Dorothy Gibbons

“Don't forget your gloves, Jack”, Mum screeched. 

“I won't Mum, it's always cold at the switch on of the Illuminations."

Margaret and Jack set off to walk along the town's seafront to meet Tom, Jack's Dad.

Jack was so excited this year as his favourite band, McFly, were opening the night. He was dressed in his picture T-shirt with McFly in coloured flashing lights. How many people would he dazzle? he wondered. Multi coloured glow-sticks made him visible in the dark should he wander off.

The town was buzzing with excitement. Thousands had turned out - more than any other year. There was a star-studded programme of celebrities appearing.

Children and adults dressed in Alien costumes; great followers of the famous Doctor Who. David Tenant who played The Doctor, was the guest who was going to flick that special switch. Blackpool would then be a colourful array of lights making it come alive for another year.

Hustle and bustle and music filled the air. Celebrities included McFly, Robbie Williams as well as The Doctor and his famous Daleks.

Laughter and screaming filled the air as the night progressed. There were vendors on every corner of the Golden Mile selling laser lights, bobbling headbands and flashing glasses. Food smells, throwing out an aroma of hot dogs and fried onions were tantalising the taste-buds and costing parents a small fortune.

Dusk was falling, the lasers looked brighter than ever, throwing beams of light across the sea. Creating a rather creepy atmosphere.

Mums yelled to their children to stay close by them as more people crushed in. Each band and artist sung their hearts out to the screaming audience. New boy James Arthur was introduced as the winner of this year's X Factor. His voice urged the atmosphere to a crescendo of applause, a build up to the main theme of the night.

Compère, Radio 2's D.J. Mark Goodier, took the mic and introduced David Tenant to the screaming crowds. Fanfare sounds of the theme tune blasted out and Dalek sounds drowned the screeches of the crowd.

David started the countdown and bellowed to the crowds: "Are you ready for this Blackpool?"

He flicked the famous switch, but there was silence as nothing happened. There wasn't a flicker of light anywhere. Children screamed in fear of the darkness. Angry teenagers shouted abuse in disappointment.

Suddenly from the top of the Tower came humongous rays of lights, green and yellow brighter than the sun. They were lasers scanning the crowds.

Gasping the crowd looked in awe. Not a word was uttered. Uncanny silence filled the air.

Was this all the Doctor's doing? Part of the show? Had Aliens, little green creatures from a far away planet, arrived to take control of the people of Blackpool?