See Blackpool Illuminations in a new way
26 August 2015
by Visit Blackpool
The UK’s number one beach resort is famous for many reasons; from the soaring height of The Blackpool Tower to the famous faces in Madame Tussauds as well as the scenic views along The Golden Mile. Yet one sight remains as an iconic Blackpool trademark; Blackpool Illuminations.
Lighting up the resort’s Promenade, this array of light displays gets bigger and better every year and the Ride the Lights experience offers you and your family the chance to see it first.
What will I see?
Ride the Lights offers thousands of cyclists the opportunity to see the dazzling lights of this beach resort whilst enjoying a fun bike ride along the coastline from Starr Gate at South Shore to Red Bank Road in Bispham.
The Illuminations get better every year and this year’s Switch-On event is set to be a star-studded affair with an appearance from Hollywood director Tim Burton amongst great music acts like The Vamps, Lawson and Professor Green.
Build up to Blackpool iFest with this exciting preview event allowing you to take in the breathtaking views along the coastline whilst seeing the impressive lights and displays right here in this treasured beach resort.
Gather up your family and saddle up your bikes to ride at leisure and enjoy the fun light displays and brilliant sights that Blackpool has to offer. A night of fun and fancy dress, this event is brilliant for cyclists of any age to enjoy the fresh air whilst seeing one of the most famous sights in the North.
What do I need?
Before your family hits the beach front, make sure you have everything you need with our checklist:
– Cyclists are encouraged to join in with the fun and wear fancy dress and decorate their bikes
– The Ride the Lights event is not a bike race, and participants are encouraged to enjoy the route at their own pace whilst keeping safe
– Make sure your bikes have at least one white light at the front and one red light at the back
– It’s advised that all cyclists wear a bike helmet when taking part in the Ride the Lights event
– All children must be accompanied by an adult
– The Blackpool tramway will still be in use so be careful when cycling, particularly around the North pier
– First aiders and Marshalls will be on hand throughout the route to advise and guide you
– There will be Bike Doctors available if your bicycle should have any problems
– The road will reopen at 10pm, so try to ensure your family has finished cycling by this time
When is it?
Ride the Lights takes place on Tuesday 1st September from 7pm until 10pm and roads leading onto the Promenade will start closing at 6pm.
The route begins at Starr Gate at South Shore and continues to Red Bank Road in Bispham, but families and participants are encouraged to ride as little or as much of the journey as you’re able.