MTV back again for big Switch-On fun

Music channel MTV has announced it will be continuing its association with the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On concert for the third successive year.
Blackpool's Switch-On show in 2017Blackpool's Switch-On show in 2017
Blackpool's Switch-On show in 2017

The free show will be played out on Friday August 31 on the Tower Festival Headland, which has become one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in the UK.

Last year’s successful Switch-On show, as well as the visit by Hollywood star Will Smith to the Livewire festival, has helped to put Blackpool’s outdoor destination even higher on the map.

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Details of this year Switch-On year’s acts and the personality who will press the switch will be released in the coming weeks.

The 2017 event attracted almost 20,000 people who enjoyed a line-up that included Example, Sigala, Conor Maynard, and Club MTV DJs R3wire & Varski, culminating in a Switch-On ceremony featuring Diversity and Star Trek.

Tourism bosses say each year the event has a huge knock-on effect for the resort, with local pubs, bars and restaurants getting a welcome boost, and the town enjoying its place in the entertainments spotlight.

Coun Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are thrilled that MTV is again associated with the 2018 Switch-On event. Last year’s event was a huge success, drawing in crowds from all across the country. We can’t wait to see what is in store for 2018.”

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Mark Swift, commercial and international ad sales manager for MTV, commented: “We have a very positive, long-standing relationship with VisitBlackpool and we are delighted to be returning to Blackpool to support the Illuminations Switch-On, in addition to staging Nickelodeon Slimefest in October.”

The Friday night celebration will once again start with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase featuring the best of local talent. That will be followed by the main show, the Switch-On itself, and then an hour-long party under the lights.

As last year, the Switch-On event will be free, with people invited to apply for the 20,000 wristbands that will guarantee entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena.

Allocation is restricted to four wristbands per household. The ballot closes at midday on Tuesday July 24. To register, go to: www.visitblackpool.com/switchon

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