Blackpool Lights originated in 1879 when the resort became the first place in the world to have electric street lighting. The light produced was the equal of 48,000 candles. In 1912 the first ever Royal visit to Blackpool took place when Queen Victoria's Daughter Princess louise came to the town. The visit was marked by a display of lights and the public put pressure on the council to repeat this annually. For some commentators this was the true beginning of Blackpool Illuminations. Apart from the inevitable interruptions of wartime the lights have continued ever since , being constantly improved in line with newer technologies.