Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Catherine Mackinlay & Nisha Mal

Blackpool Illuminations scene may be axed due to racism concerns

A light display at Blackpool Illuminations may be axed.

It comes after Blackpool Council received two racism complaints from Native Americans about its 'Wild West' display.

The display has been up since the 1960s and depicts six men in headdresses around a totem pole.

The council has addressed these concerns and agreed to explore "new options" for the light display, Lancs Live reports.

One letter of complaint from the Chickasaw Nation tribe insists the panel paints Blackpool "as a community that supports racism and discrimination."

The letter went on to say that 'caricatures' such as these 'reinforce racial stereotypes' of Native Americans.

A spokesperson said: “Our officers have been in constructive discussion with two people of Native American origin who raised concerns about the tableau.

“We have explained the background to the historic elements of the Illuminations display and assured them that these were designed and created many years ago and intended to be a celebration of different cultures. Both have accepted that assurance.

“The Illuminations are one of the UK’s most enduring family attractions and we would never do anything intended to cause offence. We will, as a matter of course, take on board the comments received and review which features are appropriate for inclusion in next year’s display.

"We have also agreed to explore options for a new tableau that celebrates Native American culture with input from the network based in the UK.”

Councillor Tony Williams added: "I believe this tableau was made in the 60s when the only images and perception people had of Native Americans could be found in comic books or western movies.

"Of course that perception was completely wrong and over time we learned through better understanding that in reality people’s perception was greatly distorted.

"The council claim the tableau is part of a mixed cultural display and there was certainly no intention to offend and I accept this, however, I think more care and understanding needs to be taken in considering the placement of this display and those in future illuminations events’".

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.