Join us for Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On

Friday 2nd September is a date to put in your diaries, as the famous Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On night hosts a fantastic line up of music, dancing and entertainment.

Blackpool has teamed up with Nickelodeon and MTV to create a spectacular show featuring direction from choreographer Ashley Banjo (leader of the winning Britain’s Got Talent dance group, Diversity) for the Friday switch on. With plenty more acts still to be announced, it’s set to be an event you won’t want to miss!

Friday night Switch-On

The night will kick off with a “Blackpool Introducing” show, featuring some of the best talent that local venues have to offer, including Axi Wild, Verity Kinnon, and Stacey McClean from the spin-off band S Club Juniors.

Blackpool will then be treated to a live performance from top British pop-rock band The Vamps, who delivered a brilliant show to the crowd at last year’s Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On before touring  America, Europe, Australia and the Far East after releasing their new album ‘Wake Up’.

Visitors will also get to see a special performance leading up to the switch on of the Blackpool Illuminations, including an exciting set from Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity.

There are a host of acts yet to be announced for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On, as well as the big reveal as to which celebrity will have the honours of turning on the famous lights. Last year, Hollywood legend Tim Burton switched on the lights, and previous celebrities have included Gary Barlow, Peter Kay and Jonathan Ross. Keep visiting Visit Blackpool to be the first to know which stars will light up Blackpool this year!

The Friday show will open a weekend of fun at Blackpool as Nickelodeon hosts its first UK SLIMEFEST on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September, with Ashley Banjo and the Diversity squad playing key roles across the entire weekend. The slime-soaked music festival will feature top music acts including Los Angeles band The Tide, entertaining skits, star appearances and more.

20,000 Wristbands

The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event is free, but visitors must apply for one of the 20,000 wristbands available that will guarantee entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena. The wristband ballot closes at 9am on Monday 1st August. To register, go to: www.visitblackpool.com/switchon.

Ticket prices for the live Nickelodeon SLIMEFEST show start from £25, and there are special packages available that include a guaranteed space at the Switch-On celebration night, as well as admittance to both Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land. Footage from the SLIMEFEST live shows will also be broadcast in a special SLIMEFEST programme on Nickelodeon!

Blackpool Illuminations

This year, Blackpool Illuminations will feature a new look Welcome Tunnel, greeting visitors with a mixture of light and sound. A special section of the Golden Mile will also commemorate 50 years of the Sci-Fi franchise, Star Trek.

The southern Starr Gate entrance of the displays will allow you to enter a forest of illuminated trees and light, filled with your favourite characters.

Old favourites, such as Ballroom Glitz and Alice’s Garden will be making a comeback to the famous light show for everyone to see.

LightPool

This year will also see the return of the spectacular LightPool at the Blackpool Illuminations show.  This £2 million programme includes 3D projection shows on The Blackpool Tower building and a “LightPool Village” on the Comedy Carpet, selling bespoke merchandise and photo souvenirs.

The Grundy Art Gallery will be showcasing a major new exhibition as part of LightPool, which will combine the work of some of the world’s best known artists.

“NEON: The Charged Line” will be exploring the different ways artists have used neon as a form of line drawing to be seen in text, sculpture or design. It will be a celebration of all things neon and a perfect addition to Blackpool Illuminations, which have a history of displaying neon lighting in creative and enchanting ways.

During October half term, LightPool will transform the town centre with a number of spectacular light artworks for everyone to enjoy. There will be live performance art each night showcasing the lighting features of the festival, with artists from both the UK and overseas taking part in exciting percussion performances and illuminated parades.

If you can’t make the Switch-On, don’t worry! There are plenty of events happening throughout Autumn. Check out What’s on in Blackpool over the next couple of months or the amazing attractions that are open all year.