The Biggest Night in Blackpool: Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On 2024

As summer draws to a close, Blackpool’s event calendar prepares for its most anticipated night: the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event.

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 30th, when the iconic lights will once again transform the night sky, bathing the seafront in a million twinkling lights. This free event is a spectacle that has captured the hearts of visitors and residents alike for over a century.

Last year, the Switch-On event attracted a record crowd of 80,000 people to Blackpool’s seafront and this year, the excitement is set to be even bigger and better.

The event will be staged on the Tower Festival Headland, a prime location that provides stunning views of the illuminated coastline. And the best part? No tickets are required! This event is open to everyone, making it one of the most inclusive and joyful celebrations in the UK.

The predicted highlight of the evening will be the moment when the Blackpool Illuminations are switched on by none other than pop icon Mel B. The Spice Girls singer, known worldwide as Scary Spice, will return to the very place where her incredible career began. As a 16-year-old dancer, Mel B first graced the stage in the Mystique show at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort. Her return to Blackpool for this special occasion is not only a nostalgic homecoming but also a tribute to the town’s entertainment heritage.

Mel B’s journey from Blackpool to global superstardom is a testament to the town’s role as a breeding ground for talent. As a member of the Spice Girls, Mel B became part of the best-selling female group of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. Her participation in this year’s Switch-On event adds an extra layer of excitement and prestige to the evening, making it a must-attend occasion.

So, gather your friends and family, and join us for a night you’ll never forget. The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On is a celebration of everything that makes Blackpool special – its history, its entertainment and most of all, its people.

See you there, under the lights!

  • 5pm – 6.30pm – Upbeat Rock Academy and House of Wingz
  • 6.30pm – 7pm – Hits Radio Music Video Show
  • 7pm – 9pm – Massaoke Band, Kimberly Wyatt & Ella Henderson
  • Switch-On moment will be between 8.45pm – 9pm

(Image: Visit Blackpool)