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Blackpool is the Number One seaside destination in the UK with a huge range of events taking place throughout the year. From the famous Blackpool Zoo to west-end musicals, there really is something for everyone. Here you can keep up-to-date with the latest news and ticket information for all Blackpool’s main attractions and events taking place in 2022.

Blackpool Illuminations 2023: All you need to know

Blackpool Illuminations

The Blackpool Illuminations are one of the most famous and thrilling light displays in the world and here you can find all of the essential information ahead of your visit as well as details of the best hotel and guest house offers and ticket discounts for the main attractions in and around Blackpool.

 

Blackpool Illuminations 2023: All you need to know

 

The autumn and winter seasons just wouldn’t be the same in Blackpool without the spectacular illuminations which stretch six miles along the seafront and the famous light show returns with a bang next week!

 

The big switch-on

Blackpool Illuminations are set to light up the town in just over a weeks’ time with many thousands of extra visitors set to descend upon the town for the four-month long display. The big switch-on event will feature a spectacular fireworks display and live music, while pop sensation Sophie Ellis Bextor will perform the actual switch-on. The live show will be held outside for the first time in four years, having been held in the Tower Ballroom each year since 2020. Following the success of the extended illuminations of 2022, this year’s event will run until 1st January 2024.

 

Times & Dates

The lights will initially be switched on on Friday 1st September at 9pm, however subsequent times will vary throughout the autumn and winter months. From 2nd September until 14th September, the lights will be turned on at 8am, while from 15th September until 22nd September the switch-on time will be 7:45pm. This will be brought forward to 7:30pm from 23rd September until 28th September, while the illuminations will start at 7:15 from 29th September to 5th October and 7pm from 6th October to 12th October.

From 13th October until 19th October the lights will be turned on at 6:15pm, from 20th October until 28th October it will be 6pm and from 29th October until 14th December it will be 5pm. From then until the final switch-on on January 1st the switch-on will be 4:30pm.

 

New Installations

In amongst the old favourites there will be a selection of new installations in 2023 and these include Light Around The World which has been created by native American specialist Bruce Alfred. Spitfire Island has been developed using the latest 3D technology while Lollies In Love With Life has been created by Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE.

 

Lightpool Festival

The free Blackpool Lightpool festival will take place from 20th October to 28th October with artwork created in the Netherlands, France, Spain and Australia. There will be giant jellyfish along the Golden Mile as well as other amazing creations including a cube made from 448 glass jars, each with a tiny tableau.

 

Parking

As with any major event, the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on will be very busy and parking spaces will be at a premium. The car parks closer to the town centre will fill very fast and the best advice is to park further out and either walk to the event or take one of the regular trams along the seafront. Customers can pay by app when using one of the council operated car parks.

Which are the best Fish & Chip shops in Blackpool?

Blackpool News

You can catch up on the latest Blackpool news by regularly visiting Blackpool.com, plus you can enjoy a range of discounts for all the family on many of the most popular attractions and events, both in Blackpool and the surrounding area.

 

Which are the best Fish & Chip shops in Blackpool?

 

Fish & Chips has long been the Number One takeaway dish in the UK and nowhere does it better than Blackpool, however which are ranked as the best chip shops in town? We take a look at some of the leading contenders.

Almost every holidaymaker to Blackpool will have sampled the local fish and chips at one of the many restaurants and chip shops in town and while many are pretty much the same, a handful stand out from the crowd. Is your favourite chippy on the list? If not, why not get in touch with us and let us know your Number One fish and chip shop!

 

1: Yorkshire Fisheries

Yorkshire Fisheries has long been one of Blackpool’s favourite chip shops and continues to rate extremely highly for Google reviews (rating of 4.7 out of 5). Located at 14-18 Topping Street, FY1 3AQ, this venue is our Number One chip shop in town.

 

2: Papa’s 

Papa’s is the only chain to feature in this list, however this Hull-based family-run business is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Situated at 66-74 Promenade, FY1 1HB, Papa’s is extremely busy in the summer months due to its proximity to the main attractions in central Blackpool.

 

3: C Fresh

Situated just to the south of Blackpool’s central Pier and the main central attractions such as SEALIFE Blackpool, C Fresh describes itself as ‘Blackpool’s Finest Fish & Chips’ and in all honesty it’s hard to disagree. They were given this accolade in 2017 and they continue to serve-up excellent food at their central location. This venue is situated at 72 Foxhall Road, FY1 5BL.

 

4:  Tower Fisheries

Tower Fisheries can be found a short distance inland from Blackpool town centre. One of the smaller and less conspicuous chip shops on the list, this establishment could easily be missed. That would be a real shame given that it really is one of the best chippies in Blackpool for both takeaway and eat-in dining. Situated at 117 Topping Street, FY1 3AA.

 

5: Preston Old Road Chippy

Preston Old Road Chippy is a very traditional style chippy situated on the outskirts of town. This chip shop isn’t frequented by tourists due to it’s distance from the town centre and main attractions, however it is worth a detour when arriving in town. Situated at 187 Preston Old Road, FY3 9SF.

 

6: Onslow Plaice

This is another chip shop on the outskirts of town and as such avoids the steady stream of tourists through the doors. Few holidaymakers venture into this part of town and as such, this chippy is geared very much towards locals although should you ever find yourself in the locality, it is well worth a visit. Located at 77 Onslow Road, FY3 7EP.