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A "stunning" arts event will light up a seaside town with interactive installations, "mesmeric" light shows and "spectacular" 3D projections.

Lightpool Festival will see Blackpool transformed by artworks from as far afield as Australia, France, the Netherlands and Spain.

An alien-like "invasion" will consume Blackpool Tower with giant tentacles breaking through the ballroom roof, the town council said.

The festival runs until 28 October.

The light installations include larger-than-life jellyfish along the Golden Mile, fireflies, a giant ball of wool made up of neon yarn, a cube made up of 448 glass jars each containing a miniature tableau, and a preview of designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's first-ever digital installation.

The feature piece of the nine-day event, which begins later, is an art trail through the town centre and promenade, with indoor and outdoor installations and projection shows.

It will also feature live entertainment including fireworks, the return of Carnival Magic in the Tower Ballroom and a new Butterfly Ball event in the Winter Gardens

Festival director Phil Holmes said: "This year's festival promises to take people on a spectacular journey of discovery.

"It will provide an enchanting and truly memorable experience for people of all ages to enjoy against the backdrop of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations."

Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams added: "From relatively small beginnings a few years ago, Lightpool Festival has grown into one of the most exciting light festivals in the UK.

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