Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations got underway with a bang last week and thousands of extra visitors will descend upon the town throughout the next four months to witness the spectacle.

Blackpool will shine bright for the next four months

Thousands were in attendance for the big switch-on for the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations and many thousands more will head along to the seaside resort over the next few months to marvel at the six-mile long glittering display.

Blackpool Illuminations are one of the biggest events in the calendar and they got off to a bang last weekend when celebrity pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor turned them on. The days are slowly getting shorter and lengthier nights are on the horizon but the famous illuminations will help keep things bright along the seafront for many months ahead.

Whether or not you have actually seen the illuminations for yourself, many are well aware that the six-mile long display has been an integral part of Blackpool’s history for many decades. Many famous names have performed the official switch-on such as Barbara Windsor, Peter Kay, Jonathan Ross and the Top Gear team. After performing ‘Murder on the Dancefloor, Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed this year’s switch-on which was preceded by an illuminated parade and followed by a spectacular firework display on the Blackpool Tower headland.

Last year’s illuminations saw record crowds descend upon the town and local businesses reported a massive upturn in trade compared with previous pre-Covid years. For the first time, the illuminations were extended to four months in 2022 and on the back of this success, the decision was made to repeat this extension for the current illuminations.

Blackpool Hotels will certainly benefit from the lengthened duration of the event and as such, it’s advisable that those looking to stay overnight in the town should book accommodation as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment.