Blackpool Illuminations 2024-2025 in England

Blackpool Illuminations, the largest annual light show in the United Kingdom, was founded in 1879 and takes place each autumn through to Christmas in Blackpool, Lancashire. The event begins in late August and runs for 66 days until early January. The 10-km (6-mi) illuminated promenade features over one million bulbs, stretching from Starr Gate in the south to Bispham in the north. The displays are completely free of charge.

Blackpool Illuminations 2024-2025

The lights attract about 4 million visitors to Blackpool every year during the annual run. The display features more than 500 scenic designs and scenes. Over 40 large illuminated tableaux cover more than 5,000 sq. m of area. More than 100 mi of glowing strips connect the promenade poles and carriageways. Lights are usually switched on at 5 pm and are turned off at 10:30 pm on weekdays, at 11 pm on Sundays, and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Main Celebrations (August 30, 2024, 2024)

The impressive spectacle usually starts with a Switch-On concert followed by a ceremony where a celebrity gives the start to Blackpool Illuminations. The ceremony takes place at the Switch-On Golden Circle on the Tower Festival Headland Arena at 8 pm and runs until 9:30 pm. The Grand Parade will feature The 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band, known for their performances across the UK, including in front of the Queen at Windsor Castle. Ella Henderson will be the 2024 Switch On celebrity, performing the ceremonial switch.

The Nickelodeon float parade

The Nickelodeon float parade will begin at 7:30 pm from Central Pier, with festivities starting 30 minutes earlier. The parade will make its way to the Tower Festival Headland, showcasing larger-than-life versions of beloved characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Baby Shark, Transformers, and Monster High, accompanied by around 100 dancers, musicians, and street performers.

Origins of Blackpool Illuminations

Initially, Blackpool Illuminations was called Artificial Sunshine or Electric Sunshine. In September 1879, it featured just eight carbon arc lamps, beginning a few days before Thomas Edison patented the electric light bulb.