Pop superstar Olly Murs will headline the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event on Friday, August 29th, performing a free hour-long show at the Tower Festival Headland. Joining him will be X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, alongside a ‘Blackpool Introduces’ showcase of local talent.
A total of 24,000 free tickets are available through a ballot on the VisitBlackpool website, with a special allocation for local residents. Tickets are limited to four per household, and the ballot closes at 10am on Monday, August 11th. For those who don’t get tickets, a live screening zone will be set up on the promenade.
Olly Murs said: “I am buzzing to be performing at Blackpool Illuminations on Friday 29 August. I haven’t performed there since 2011, so it’s about time. It’ll be an incredible night, with a huge set from me and the band, and of course a massive light Switch-On!”
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The Switch-On event is one of the highlights of Blackpool’s calendar. It’s an event of celebration for our residents and brings together our local community and visitors from far and wide. It’s not just a fantastic evening of entertainment – the Illuminations season also delivers a huge boost to our local economy, filling our hotels, restaurants, and shops, and supporting jobs throughout the resort.”
This year’s event is sponsored by Blackpool Council’s tourism company, Blackpool Tourism Limited.
Kate Shane, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to be sponsoring this year’s Switch-On event. Bringing in performers of such a high calibre enables us to build on our reputation of offering unique and memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year, helping Blackpool to retain and build on its position as the UK’s number one seaside resort.
“The Switch-On event is just the start, and we’re looking forward to welcoming millions of guests to the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations right the way through to 4 January.”
The Switch-On marks the start of the Illuminations season, which has attracted millions since 1879. From the original eight carbon arc lamps, the event now features six miles of immersive light and art displays, blending tradition with modern technology to create one of the UK’s most iconic visitor events.
Gates open at 4pm with performances approximately starting from 5.30pm. Full timings will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information on this year’s Switch-On event and Blackpool Illuminations, please visit: visitblackpool.com/switchon
Image (VisitBlackpool)