Illuminations Switch On 2023

The 2023 Blackpool Illuminations switch on party will soon be in full swing and the 2023 celebrations on Friday 1st September promise to be the best yet, however the best part is that it’s COMPLETELY FREE!!!!

At the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations switch-on, you can enjoy a spectacular illuminated display as well as family entertainment at the Tower festival headland, a thrilling firework display, Tower light show and the Switch-On itself which will be undertaken by pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Nickelodeon Parade  

Join in the fun with the spectacular Nickelodeon Parade, featuring well-known characters from the popular kids TV channel. A parade of decorated and illuminated floats will kick off the celebrations and as well as over 100 dancers and street performers, famous TV characters such as Baby Shark, PAW Patrol, Spongebob SquarePants and Transformers will make their way from Blackpool’s Central Pier to the Tower Headland at approximately 7:30pm.

Switch-on by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

The big moment will take place after the grand parade has reached the Headland and the switch-on will be carried out by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, one of the most famous music stars in the UK. Fresh from appearing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will give a performance prior to performing the big switch-on which will launch a full four months of illuminations.

Free Family Entertainment and Fireworks

Once Sophie Ellis-Bextor has pulled the lever to turn on the illuminations, the party will really get into full swing with some great free family entertainment including live music and a specially commissioned light and sound show which will illuminate the Blackpool Tower. The big finale will feature a spectacular fireworks display over the Irish Sea and the best part of all is that the whole event is COMPLETELY FREE  with no tickets needed to attend.