Blackpool News / Events Get Set for Ride the Lights 23 August 2017 by Visit Blackpool Blackpool Promenade will be a bike only zone on Tuesday evening, 29th August, for the resort’s annual Ride the Lights event. The popular, annual event sees the Promenade fully closed to vehicles for one night only between 7pm and 10pm to allow cyclists to get a sneak preview of the Blackpool Illuminations. The free event is attended by thousands of people every year and has become a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike. As well as getting the chance of a first look at the Blackpool Illuminations ahead of Switch-On, cyclists are able to enjoy riding on the Promenade without having to worry about cars. There is also entertainment taking place at the Ride the Lights hub located on the Tower Festival Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower in association with Radio Wave. Blackpool Pleasure Beach will once again be taking part and riders who wish to ride through the park will be greeted by a live DJ set and a chance to see the park like they never have before. Once all guests have cleared from their fun day rollercoaster riding, the gates will then open for evening of bicycle riding. The gates are anticipated to open exclusively to cyclists between 7.30 and 8pm and continue until approximately 10pm. Blackpool Pleasure Beach staff have kindly volunteered their time to give people this fantastic new experience. Bike Doctors, CJ Cycles will be in attendance to help with all your cycling needs and will be located on the hub at Tower Festival Headland as well as a station at The Star Pub. The route runs from Starr Gate, South Shore all the way through to Red Bank Road, Bispham with riders able to go in either direction or join the ride at any point on the promenade. Riders can cycle as much or as little of the course as they choose. Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Ride the Lights is always extremely popular and is now a firm fixture on Blackpool’s calendar. “It will be a great night of cycling, fun and entertainment and I hope everyone will have a fantastic time. In order to keep safe on your bike, there are a few things to remember: All bikes should have safety lights Riders are advised to wear cycle helmets Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult The tramway will be operational throughout the ride so DO NOT cycle on it Marshalls and first aiders will be on hand along the route Support vehicles will be on hand to assist with bike breakdowns The road will be closed from 6pm and will re-open to traffic at 10pm so try to plan your ride to reach your destination by 10pm and be aware of traffic after this time Access to the Pleasure Beach is at the North Gate, to cycle North to South only through the Park, with no access for pedestrian’s just cyclists. Please note rides will not be open during this time. Road closure details are as follows: From 6pm to 10.30pm Promenade Closed between Starr Gate and Pennystone Road Pennystone Road Closed Full Length Beaufort Avenue Closed between Pennystone Road and Red Bank Road Red Bank Road Closed between Beaufort Avenue and the Promenade The signed diversion routes are: Southbound - Kelso Avenue, Fleetwood Road, Devonshire Road, Whitegate Drive, Waterloo Road, St Annes Road, Squires Gate Lane. Northbound - Squires Gate Lane, St Annes Road, Waterloo Road, Whitegate Drive, Devonshire Road, Fleetwood Road. Last entry for cyclists to the Pleasure Beach will be 9.30pm; please note access will not be available for novelty vehicles. Ride the Lights is the latest in a series of events designed to light up Blackpool’s summer and autumn. VisitBlackpool has already organised Blackpool Armed Forces Week and Blackpool Air Show and there’s still a lot to look forward to: Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On – Friday 1st September – The Switch-On event is free, with people invited to apply for the 20,000 wristbands guaranteeing entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena. Everyone has now been informed if they were lucky enough to receive wristbands to attend this year’s event in association with MTV. Blackpool Illuminations – 1 September–5 November - Britain’s most spectacular light show returns to Blackpool Promenade for another year - FREE LightPool – 1 September–5 November - The LightPool programme returns for a third successive year with 3D projection shows on the Blackpool Tower building and Festival @ LightPool taking place on selected dates during October half-term - FREE The World Fireworks Championship Blackpool – 8/15/22/29 September – Blackpool plays host to the best fireworks display teams in the world with the competitors from Poland, France and South Africa taking part this year with more dramatic and spectacular displays than ever before to wow the crowds - FREE Nickelodeon SLIMEFEST – 21, 22 & 23 October – The Nickelodeon SLIMEFEST ticketed shows will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Arena, Blackpool Pleasure. The six shows across three days will feature live performances, games, characters and plenty of slime, music and mayhem! Only limited tickets available so book tickets NOW at nick.co.uk/SLIMEFEST For more information on Ride the Lights go to visitBlackpool.com/ridethelights or call 01253 478222 and remember to use #ridethelights for all your pictures on the night.