Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations get underway in just a few weeks’ time and the switch-on party promises to be one of the biggest to date – with a planned mystery celebrity guest in attendance. 

Ultimate illumination party planned for Blackpool

The 2023 Blackpool Illuminations will get started with a massive free family party which will include a selection of decorated and illuminated floats as well as some famous characters on 1st September 2023.

Blackpool Illuminations is one of the great events in the town’s annual calendar and this year’s spectacle promises to be one of the biggest yet. The big switch-on will feature a parade which will start at the Central Pier and include a free family party featuring characters such as Baby Shark, PAW Patrol and Spongebob. There will be music and entertainment along the way as well as a guest celebrity who will perform the big switch-on for the extended four-month display. The public will also enjoy a specially commissioned light show which will take place in front of Blackpool Tower as well as a seafront firework display.

A spokesperson for VisitBlackpool said: “This is the first time, post-COVID, that we have been able to bring the full Switch-On event back outside – and we are determined to make it a party to remember. The Nickelodeon team are working on some amazing floats that will bring to life some of their best-loved children’s TV shows. The parade, combined with live music, fireworks and a dazzling light display, should make this the ultimate way to say goodbye to the summer holidays and hello to the start of our extended Illuminations season.”

The whole event is completely free of charge and no ticket is needed for entry. The principal celebrations get underway at 8pm and finish around 9.30pm on 1st September. The identity of the surprise celebrity guest is being kept a closely guarded secret and an announcement will be made in the next few weeks.