BBC Radio 2’s Paddy McGuinness will switch on the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations at this year’s Switch-On event on Friday 4th September 2026 – and for Blackpool’s tourism and town centre businesses, it’s set to be one of the biggest single-night footfall drivers of the year.
The Switch-On marks the official start of the Illuminations season, six miles of lights along the Promenade that keep visitors coming back to Blackpool right through autumn. This year’s event sees Blackpool Tourism Limited team up with the BBC, with the evening hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley and broadcast talent from BBC Introducing showcasing the region’s rising stars. That BBC partnership means national and regional promotion of the event, and by extension of Blackpool itself, in the run-up to the night.
Thousands of people are expected to gather on Tower Festival Headland for a free concert featuring Lucy Spraggan, The Feeling and headliners Five, before Paddy McGuinness pulls the switch.
With 20,000 free tickets available through public ballot and additional Golden Circle tickets on sale, this is an event drawing crowds from well beyond Blackpool, all arriving in the resort on one night, many staying for food, drink and accommodation before and after.
What this means for your business
For hotels, guesthouses, bars, restaurants and attractions across the town, the Switch-On weekend represents a concentrated surge in visitor numbers at the very start of the autumn season – a natural moment to promote late availability, evening menus, extended openings and Illuminations-season offers to a captive, enthusiastic audience. It’s also a high-profile, nationally broadcast showcase for Blackpool, helping build visitor intent for the weeks of Illuminations season that follow.
Blackpool BID would encourage members to plan staffing, stock and promotions around Friday 4th September now, ahead of what promises to be one of the busiest nights of the autumn calendar.
Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Paddy McGuinness as our Switch-On star for 2026. The Switch-On event is always a highlight of the year and, with performances from Lucy Spraggan, The Feeling and Five, we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to the resort for what will be a fantastic evening of live music and entertainment.”
Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said:
“We’ve had a fantastic reaction to this year’s Switch-On line-up and I know visitors will be delighted to see Paddy McGuinness pull the famous switch and officially launch the 2026 Blackpool Illuminations season. As a family favourite with strong northern roots, he’s the perfect person to help us kick off the autumn season in Blackpool.”
How to get tickets
Ballot for free tickets closes 11pm, Sunday 9th August, at www.visitblackpool.com/switchon (£5 admin fee per booking applies to successful applications).
Golden Circle tickets, guaranteeing a spot in front of the stage, are available now for £12 plus a £5 admin fee per booking.
For full details visit www.visitblackpool.com/switchon