Blackpool Illuminations

The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations get underway in just a few weeks’ time and here at Blackpool.com you can find all the best hotel and guest house deals as well as a range of family discounts at the main attractions in town.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor to switch on 2023 Blackpool Illuminations

A huge free family party will get the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations underway on 1st September with a glittering display of illuminated and decorated floats and trams as well as a host of well-known TV characters. 

The Blackpool Illuminations are one of the biggest annual spectacles in town and this year’s event has once again been extended to run until 1st January 2024. The switch-on promises to be a fun-filled affair and will include a grand parade starting from Central Pier with live music and characters such as Spongebob and PAW Patrol. This is a real family friendly event and the big switch-on will be performed by well-known singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Visitors can also enjoy a spectacular light-show right in front of Blackpool Tower as well as a firework display over the sea.

Having recently released a new studio album, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be performing on the Tower Festival Headland and she will then pull the switch to start a full four months of spectacular illuminations.

The singer said: “I’m so excited to be coming back to Blackpool to perform a few of my favourite tracks and to switch on the iconic Blackpool Illuminations. I can’t wait to see you all there.”

This fabulous event is completely free of charge with no ticket being needed to enter, however there is a charge for rides on the illuminated trams which will travel along the seafront for the duration of the illuminations. The big switch-on event gets underway at 8pm and will continue until 9.30pm on September 1st.