Ashley Banjo, Diversity and The Vamps Join the Big Switch-On Party!

Two of the UK’s top dance and music acts are to perform as Switch-On stars at this year’s Blackpool Illuminations celebration, it has been revealed.

The show on Friday, the 2nd of September (being delivered in association with Nickelodeon and Club MTV), will be directed in part by Ashley Banjo, choreographer and leader of the Britain’s Got Talent-winning dance group Diversity.

The Vamps, who rocked the Switch-On party in 2015 with a stunning headline performance under the world-famous lights, also join what promises to be a spectacular line-up.

In his role as Creative Director, Ashley will be responsible for the curation of a special performance leading up to the Switch-On of the Illuminations. That will include a bespoke set by Diversity, who begin a UK-wide arena tour early next year.

The Vamps join the Switch-On party for the second year running. After performing on the Tower Festival Headland last year, they went on to tour America, Europe, Australia and the Far East after releasing their new album Wake Up.

The Switch-On stars will lead a celebration that will opens a weekend of music and slime as Nickelodeon’s first UK Slimefest takes place in the resort. The event will happen on Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of September. Ashley and Diversity will play a key role across the entire weekend.

“I can’t wait to take the creative lead in the Switch-On of the legendary Blackpool Illuminations,” said Ashley Banjo. He added: “I’m collaborating with incredibly talented artists and performers on what will be an epic show and the perfect way to kick-off the UK’s first Slimefest weekend!”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Ashley Banjo is a proven performer on the world stage and we are thrilled that he will be putting his creative stamp on the Switch-On event. He famously performed in Blackpool during the Royal Variety Performance and we look forward to welcoming him.

“The Vamps headlined one of our best-ever Switch-On events last year and we can’t wait to see them back in Blackpool.”

The Friday night celebration will start with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase featuring the best of talent from local venues including Verity Kinnon, James Edgar and Axi Wild, prior to the start of the main show. The line-up will also include Blackpool’s own Stacey McClean, formerly of spin-off band S Club 8 and special sets by Club MTV. More acts and details of celebrity Switch-On stars will be announced over the next few weeks.

As last year, the Switch-On event will be free, with people invited to apply for the 20,000 wristbands that will guarantee entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena. The wristband ballot closes at 9am on 1 August. To register, go to: www.visitblackpool.com/switchon. Over the following two days the UK’s first Nickelodeon Slimefest event will take place in Blackpool, with a mixture of free and ticketed events.

The Nickelodeon Slimefest ticketed shows will take place on Saturday, September 3rd in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens. Two identical shows will feature live performances, games, characters and plenty of slime! Acts set to perform at the Slimefest live shows will also be announced over the coming weeks.

Slimefest weekend also features a free outdoor experience on the Tower Festival Headland throughout the Saturday and Sunday including character appearances and a host of family activities.

Ticket prices for the live Nickelodeon Slimefest shows begin at £25.00. Additional ticket packages include a guaranteed space at the Switch-On celebration night, admittance to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and to Nickelodeon Land. Full ticket details are available on Ticketmaster.

Footage from the Slimefest live shows will be broadcast in a special Slimefest programme on Nickelodeon.

Keep checking our website for further announcements of Switch-On stars!