The revolving artwork is to become a permanent fixture on the resort's South Promenade.

The glitterball is called "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" after a 1960s film about a dance marathon.

It is six metres in diameter and part of the Lottery-funded Great Promenade Show, a public art display.

Sea organ

The next piece in the planning is an organ which plays notes controlled by the movement of the sea when the tide comes in.

The glitterball has been commissioned by the Art Department, based in Manchester.

It was made in Oldham, Greater Manchester, by an engineering firm.

Mike Trainor, artist with the Art Department, said: "In every era glitterballs have been icons, and mean all sorts of things to different people.

Public vote

"It literally reflects Blackpool in 47,000 mirrors, and reflects its long association with the entertainment industry.

"I think it's very Blackpool."

The Great Promenade Show started last year, and is expected to be finished by 2004.

The public voted for their favourite ideas put forward by artists, ten of which will be built on the seafront.