The plan for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On this year
There are some changes due to Covid-19
Last updated 30th Apr 2021
Plans have been unveiled for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on this year.
It usually attracts thousands of people to the seafront - but it's happening differently again because of coronavirus.
The event this year is once again going to be scaled down with the organisers saying there are still uncertainties when it comes to large gatherings
Instead there'll be live music performances in The Blackpool Tower ballroom with an audience made up of winners of a free-to-enter ballot.
But if you don't manage to get a ticket or if you can't make it - the switch-on's also being streamed online - with last year's attracting nearly a quarter of a million households.
It takes place on September 3rd - and the illuminations will stay lit in the resort for four months.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture for Blackpool Council, said: “We are thrilled to be able to announce the return of a live concert as a curtain-raiser for our extended Blackpool Illuminations season.
“While we would love to be able to bring back a full-scale concert with thousands of people partying on the headland, there are still too many uncertainties over the logistics of being able to do that in a safe and controlled way.
“We are fortunate that we have a world-class ballroom which is currently undergoing a £1m renovation and which will provide a truly fitting stage for the 2021 Switch-On concert.
“The live stream in 2020 proved hugely successful and we are delighted that people will be able to enjoy the celebration no matter where they are.”
Virginia Monaghan, Vice-President Events & Experiences, for ViacomCBS, added: “We are excited to be once again partnering with VisitBlackpool to deliver the annual Illuminations Switch-On event.
“We are looking forward to staging a very special celebration in one of the most iconic venues in the UK – and equally looking forward to bringing back a traditional Switch-On arena concert in 2022.”
Kate Shane, Head of the Blackpool Cluster for the Merlin Entertainments Group, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the annual Switch-On event in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the first time in our history.
“The ballroom is currently undergoing a huge renovation programme that will bring the magnificent ceiling back to its former glory. We look forward to being able to unveil this to a live Switch-On audience as well as a global live stream audience.”
Full details of the acts that will perform at the event will be revealed over the coming months along with the identity of the Switch-On star. At least 1,000 tickets will initially be available to join the live audience. Further tickets could be made available if future guidance allows. Any ticket allocation will be split equally between local residents and visitors.
In the meantime, you can register to enter the ballot for free tickets (maximum of four per person) at this link. Applications will close on Friday 30 July.
This year’s Blackpool Illuminations will run from Friday 3 September to Monday 3 January, 2022.