Stars To Shine In Blackpool’s Biggest Ever Illuminations Switch-on Weekend September 4, 2009

Blackpool has just unveiled an amazing, star-studded celebrity weekend on 4th and 5th September to launch this year’s world famous Illuminations, which will shine until 8 November.

In a major, new first for the resort, the ‘Big Switch-On Weekend’ will see a whole series of concerts and live shows featuring some of Britain’s best-known pop stars, like chart-toppers JLS, Mika and Pixie Lott. And Blackpool will also play host to an exciting programme of blockbusting events – ALL ABSOLUTELY FREE.

Flicking the famous switch on the Friday night (4th September) from a specially-built Switch-On arena, behind Blackpool’s Golden Mile, will be one-time Blackpool resident and TV star, comedian Alan Carr.

At the dazzling, celebrity-packed show, Alan will be joined by chart-topping X Factor finalists JLS, Madness, Paloma Faith, pop princess Pixie Lott and Tony Christie, who will perform in celebration of the Switch-On ceremony. And the following day there will be a star-studded concert, featuring Mika, Pixie Lott and other stars, at the resort’s legendary Empress Ballroom on Saturday, 5th September.

Blackpool has also organised a whole host of major, free events making it what promises to be the biggest ever Switch-On weekend. Highlights will include the World Fireworks Championships, the unveiling of St John’s a spectacular, new public piazza right in the heart of the resort and two days of world-class beach volleyball tournaments.

Major free events include:

• On the Saturday visitors and residents will see the brand new St John’s Piazza officially unveiled. Situated in the centre of the resort close to the Winter Gardens, this will create a vibrant, new outdoor space with a special programme of activity planned for the opening.

• Later on Saturday evening, with the Illuminations shining, the Honda Goldwing Light Parade will showcase hundreds of illuminated motorcycles along the promenade. And afterwards more than 1,500 ladies will be all set to step out in a special ‘Illumathon’ midnight charity walk through the Lights.

• While the Sunday will mark the start of the popular World Fireworks Championships on the Promenade, near North Pier.

• Throughout both the Saturday and Sunday the national finals of the English Volleyball Beach Tour championships will take place on the new St Chad’s Headland, showcasing Blackpool’s new-look promenade.

For further information on the Big Switch-On Weekend, what to do and where to stay, go to www.visitblackpool.com or call 01253 478222.