Blackpool Unveils New Spitfire Tribute for 2023

Introducing the NEW Spitfire Tribute at Gynn Roundabout—a remarkable homage to an iconic fighter aircraft, making its debut in the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations.

Did you know that the Blackpool illuminations 2023 display will run throughout the festive season from 1 September - 1 January 2023, extended from the usual 66 nights?

We're excited to announce our support, alongside VisitBlackpool, for this extraordinary tribute to the world-famous Spitfire. Three carefully crafted Spitfire replicas will grace this year’s Blackpool Illuminations.

This collaborative installation involves the Blackpool Illuminations team, Airfix, and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Unveiled on September 1st, it showcases three replica Spitfires, transforming Gynn Roundabout into the centrepiece of the northern Illuminations.

Through a pioneering partnership with VisitBlackpool, this collaboration uses 3D printing—a first for the Illuminations—to craft the three featured Spitfires, with thanks to the collaborative efforts between Blackpool Illuminations and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The roundabout has previously accommodated a single Spitfire which proved hugely popular with visitors. This new installation, which uses 3D printing technology for the first time, takes it to a completely different level. 

“It is a stunning piece of work that is a deserving tribute to an important part of Blackpool’s history.

“We are also delighted to announce a new partnership with Airfix so that visitors and residents will be able to take home a unique keepsake.”

Airfix is thrilled to join forces with VisitBlackpool and become part of an event which, much like the scale-modelling hobby, has captured the hearts and imaginations of people for many years.

We hope that showcasing the Airfix logo within the Illuminations will serve as a remarkable symbol of our commitment to precision engineering and the joy of model-making.

Notably, the once solitary Spitfire at the roundabout now stands accompanied by this triumphant trio.

Named Progress I, II, and III, these replicas represent Spitfires stationed at Blackpool Airport during WWII. The Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre provided historical data crucial for their construction. 

A total of 4,000 of the limited edition Airfix Spitfire kits will also go on sale at VisitBlackpool’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) during the Illuminations season.