BLACKPOOL's dazzling illuminations are a world famous spectacle, but many won't know that it is a company from Swindon that keeps them going secretly behind the scenes.

The Decent Group has created a software system for the iconic lightshow that lights up six miles of British waterfront every year.

The popular seasonal attraction has existed for over 100 years, and throughout it has continued to evolve each year as new displays are installed and unveiled, from traditional illuminated scenes to contemporary laser and fibre optics.

The mammoth task of lifting and installing this vast array of displays, some weighing more than a tonne, is guided by a bespoke stock management system that not only knows the location of every piece of equipment but also provides precise instructions on how to install every display.

The team at Blackpool’s illuminations workshop, Lightworks, are responsible for designing, building, storing and installing hundreds of displays. Every year they have to ensure that more than a million lightbulbs – and all the other thousands of items of equipment – work flawlessly.

And the software provided by Decent Group, located in Kembrey Business Park, is a key tool to make this possible.

Richard Williams, illuminations manager at Lightworks, describes the system’s impact on the team.

“We can work more easily, more quickly, more consistently and more safely. We feel very confident now that we have these new systems to call on.”

The software automatically orders new bulbs and other parts when stock is running low.

Equally important is the inspections system, which keeps track of the vital inspections that check and test this lifting equipment.

Critically, the system also stores the information needed to install each display – weight, centre of gravity, the exact chains, straps and slings required, and guidance on the best way to lift each display, based on test lifts in the workshop.

When the team is out installing displays on the Blackpool promenade, they carry with them mobile devices that tell them exactly how to lift and install every display correctly and efficiently.

This behind-the-scenes system is also a vital part of the daily switching on of the lights.

Every day until January 1, Decent’s system will initiate the process across more than 200 miles of cabling – ensuring that six miles of displays light up in perfect sequence for visitors to Blackpool to enjoy.

Decent’s director and founder, James Ducker, said: “It’s so satisfying to use the latest digital technologies to maintain a wonderful tradition that stretches back to the very earliest use of electricity on Britain’s streets.

"We continue to evolve the systems we’ve put in place for the Lightworks team, making their challenging work safer and simpler.”

The display was switched on for the first time this year in September 1. 20 staff, including artists, electricians, joiners, mechanics, painters, engineers and technicians, work all year round to ensure the display is ready.

65,000 staff hours are spent on maintenance, preparation, installation, operation and dismantling of the features, of which the display has more than 500 different ones.

The annual Illuminations display will shine nightly from now until January 1 2024 when the process of taking them all down will begin.

Find out more here: www.decentgroup.co.uk/behind-the-scenes-blackpool-illuminations.