Ride the Lights returns for 2015!

The popular annual event sees the Promenade fully closed to vehicles for one night only between 6pm 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 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 Headlands opposite The Blackpool Tower.

The Radio Wave roadshow will be hosting a stage of live music and fun featuring live music from Chris Atkinson, Hana joy, Amy jo, Distracted and Matt Fitzgerald.

Bike Doctors CJ Cycles and Get Cycling will be in attendance to help with all your cycling needs while The British Heart Foundation will also be hoping to recruit riders for the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride in September.

Lafarge Tarmac, meanwhile, will be in attendance to educate people about the dangers of blind spots and how cyclists can keep themselves safe plus lots more activity planned.

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 and 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 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

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.

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 iFest – Illuminations Switch-On Festival Weekend – Friday  4 to Sunday 6 September – Blackpool iFest marks the start of the resort’s annual Illuminations season. Hollywood star director, Tim Burton, will flick the switch on the Friday night following a concert starring the likes of The Vamps, Lawson, Professor Green and Blackpool’s very own, Little Boots plus lots more. A weekend of spectacular music and comedy follows with Saturday night hosting a vintage pop party and Sunday night featuring an evening of some of Britain’s best comedians including Al Murray – The Pub Landlord.
• Blackpool Illuminations– 4 September–8 November – Britain’s most spectacular light show returns to Blackpool Promenade for another year with a number of exciting changes for 2015 including the introduction of LightPool including digital projection mapping technology, creating a Las Vegas-style lightshow on the front of The Blackpool Tower plus lighting installations and illuminating events .
• Fireworks Championships – 11/18/25 September and October 2 – Blackpool plays host to the best fireworks display teams in the world with the competitors planning more dramatic and spectacular displays than ever before to wow the crowds. All shows are completely free and China, France and Canada compete for this year’s title.

Tickets remain available for the Blackpool iFest Illuminations Switch-On Festival Weekend with limited availability for those buying a weekend ticket to secure a free wristband for the Friday concert.

Go to www.visitblackpool.com to buy your tickets now.