Get ready to join the big Switch-On celebration

Registration is now open for the annual Illuminations Switch-On spectacular!

The biggest night in the resort’s calendar, the event takes place on the Tower Festival Headland on Friday September 2.

This year’s event will feature a host of top music stars as well as the big moment when the resort’s stunning Lights display is turned on.

Blackpool’s most glittering night is free to attend – all you have to do is enter the ballot to win wristbands – with four available per household.

Last year, around 80,000 people applied for tickets with a similar rush expected for this year’s event.

For this year’s Switch-On Weekend, Nickelodeon has partnered with Blackpool Council to present the UK’s first ever Nickelodeon’s Slimefest – highlights of which will be broadcast on the digital TV channel.

There will be two ticketed live shows in the Winter Gardens on Saturday September 3, and a free outdoor Nickelodeon festival on the headland on both the Saturday and Sunday.

No details have yet been released for the big events but organisers are keen to top last year’s star-studded evening when the switch was pulled by superstar director Tim Burton – the man behind hit movies including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Coun Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Switch-On night is without doubt the biggest night in Blackpool’s calendar and is unbelievably popular with more than 80,000 people applying for tickets last year.

“Last year’s Switch-On was a huge success.

“Not only did we have Hollywood royalty flicking the switch but a fantastic concert, headlined by The Vamps, was a big hit too.

“It will be difficult to follow that this year but we’re confident of delivering another top quality line-up and a stunning show to start off the Blackpool Illuminations season with a bang.

“This year’s Switch-On weekend will be the biggest ever – with the free three day festival on the headland complemented by two exciting ticketed Slimefest concerts in the Winter Gardens.

“It promises to be a brilliant weekend of entertainment kicked off by the free Switch-On party on the Friday night.

“That’s not to be missed and I would urge people to apply for their wristbands now – it could be the best free night out you’ll ever have.”

With a capacity of 20,000 for Switch-On night, the event will be held on the Tower Festival Headland and attracts visitors from all over the UK as well as locals who will have a dedicated allocation of tickets.

A further allocation of tickets will be guaranteed for Switch-On night for people buying a Slimefest ticket for the shows at the Winter Gardens Opera House on Saturday September 3.

Details of how to buy tickets for the Slimefest concerts will be announced soon.

Blackpool’s Switch-On has long been the biggest date in the resort’s calendar.

And some massive stars have taken to the stage over the years to light up the Golden Mile.

Peter Kay was given the honour in 2014 with talk show star Jonathan Ross having performed the honour the previous year.

Robbie Williams, Keith Lemon, Alan Carr and the stars of Top Gear are among the other big names to have been involved recently.

Further back in resort history stars of stage and screen (and racecourse) to have joined in include Les Dawson, The Muppets, Terry Wogan, Red Rum, the cast of Dad’s Army, Jayne Mansfield, George Formby and Gracie Fields.

- To enter the ballot visit www.visitblackpool.com/switchon