Tens of thousands turn out for Blackpool lights switch on

Blackpool’s famous Illuminations have been switched on by Spice Girl Mel B, marking the start of the town's four-month-long light show.

The event took place at the Tower Festival Headland, where tens of thousands gathered to witness the spectacle.

Mel B, also known as "Scary Spice," returned to Blackpool for the occasion, a place significant in her career as she started out as a dancer at Blackpool Pleasure Beach before achieving global fame with the Spice Girls.

She joined a list of celebrities who have turned on the Illuminations over the years.

As the switch was flipped, a million lights illuminated the six-mile display, accompanied by a fireworks show above The Blackpool Tower.

The light show was set to her solo single, For Once In My Life.

Before the switch-on, Mel B spoke to the crowd, recalling her early days in Blackpool and her childhood memories of attending the Illuminations with her family.

The evening's entertainment began with performances by local musicians, including students from Upbeat Rock Academy and Blackpool-based dance crew House of Wingz. The main event was a two-hour show hosted by Hits Radio presenters Leanne and Joel.

The lineup featured performances from several artists, including Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, who performed ahead of her upcoming album release and tour. Kimberly Wyatt of The Pussycat Dolls followed with a high-energy DJ set, playing hits from the 2000s.

Headline act Ella Henderson closed the night with an extended set of her popular hits. Henderson, who recently joined the Brit Billion club for reaching over a billion digital streams, performed several of her top singles, including Ghost and Crazy What Love Can Do.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, praised the event, highlighting the performances and Mel B’s role in this year's switch-on.

Blackpool Illuminations will continue to light up the town every night until January 5, 2025.

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