Blackpool Illuminations big Switch On to be shared with mass audiences world wide as concert from Tower Ballroom will be streamed virtually for first time

In a lightbulb moment and a first for the resort the historic Blackpool Illuminations will viewed around the world as the big Switch On event 2020 goes virtual.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On event 2019 at Blackpool Tower Headland Arena picture Martin BostockBlackpool Illuminations Switch On event 2019 at Blackpool Tower Headland Arena picture Martin Bostock
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On event 2019 at Blackpool Tower Headland Arena picture Martin Bostock

In another innovative move, announced by Visit Blackpool, the world’s most famous lights festival will also be shining for an additional two months this year through the festive period until January 3, in a bid to provide an an invaluable boost to the resort’s tourism industry.

On September 4, the front of the Fylde coast will light up for the annual spectacle but this year’s big ‘Switch On Event’ in conjunction with partners MTV will now be beamed across the nation and world.

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The star studded concert event, usually held at the Tower Headland Festival Arena and exclusive to 20,000 lucky ticketholders will instead be broadcast from the Tower Ballroom.

A star line-up, yet to be revealed, has been promised but Diversity’s Ashley and Jordan Banjo have been again confirmed to present the show, which for the first time will give a new and much wider audience an insight to the resort’s biggest free event on the calendar.

It will be the first time in more than 70 years that the resort has been unable to hold a live Switch-On celebration.

Passionate advocate for Blackpool and head of Blackpool attractions for Merlin Entertainments Group PLC Kate Shane said whilst the production behind closed doors would be very different for those involved, the team at the tower were ‘absolutely delighted’ to be a part of it.

She said: “Hats off to the Blackpool Council.

Blackpool Switch On 2019Blackpool Switch On 2019
Blackpool Switch On 2019
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“ We’re living in these unique circumstances, never before experienced for this industry.

“It’s fantastic how people have come together to work on a solution to make sure this event will still happen but also give the town a show around the world.

“And for that to be from within the setting of our spectacular ballroom we’re excited to be able to share how special it is. It's wonderful the show will be beamed around the world by MTV, with a new audience, who perhaps have never ever seen inside the Ballroom before.

“But ultimately this is very much about making people smile again enjoying themselves and bringing back the fun, laughter and entertainment for which Blackpool is known.

Lucy Fallon switching on Blackpool Illuminations last yearLucy Fallon switching on Blackpool Illuminations last year
Lucy Fallon switching on Blackpool Illuminations last year
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“It’s great to have some positive news and hopefully begin to restore some confidence.”

The move has been hailed a ‘great moment’ by tourism bosses and other industry leaders in the resort, desperate to minimise the lasting impact of the economical crisis triggered by the forced closure of the tourism and hospitality industry due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Directors at Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced they too would be extending their season opening for Winter Weekends (Saturday and Sundays) until December 13.

Managing director Amanda Thompson said: “I am thrilled Blackpool Council has chosen to extend the Illuminations.

Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2019Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2019
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2019
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“This gives us the opportunity to support this by opening Blackpool Pleasure Beach for Winter Weekends until December 13.

“Let’s hope this proves to be popular and we’ll try and remain open even longer. We are all working hard together to look after the visitor economy and it’s important for local residents too.”

Claire Smith of Stay Blackpool said the Lights extension will be a ‘huge opportunity’ for the resort and offers ‘a real chance to pull back.’

She said: “This isn’t of course the first time we have had an extension of the Lights having previously added an extra fortnight but then it didn’t especially work.

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“We are in a very different time, it is a difficult and unique situation . This isn’t about profit - it’s now about minimising losses and essentially moving our season.

“We’re all gearing to July 4, but understand it still presents concern and caution for those travelling. With our fabulous lights shining for the extra period we can put the spotlight on our resort and everything it has to offer for that little while longer.

“It does set us apart from other places and hopefully from our wonderful attractions to theatres and restaurants people will be encouraged and more importantly confident enough to use some of their saved income and plan a trip to stay in Blackpool later in the year and we can see some life and people in the resort again.

“It is welcome and promising news but also demonstrates how you can adapt and change quickly and we just hope we can promote our beautiful coast and space to as many people as possible.”

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The cost of extending the Lights will be met from the council’s existing events budget which has already under spent due to events being cancelled.

There has also been additional support through extra sponsorship.

Coun Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for tourism and culture for Blackpool Council, said: “The annual Switch-On event is the biggest night in Blackpool’s events calendar. Sadly, it is simply not possible to stage an event of that scale given the current restrictions around social distancing and mass gatherings.

“However, it would be unthinkable not to launch our Blackpool Illuminations season with an extraordinary event.

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“Staging the first ever virtual Switch-On concert to a mass audience watching from home does exactly that.

“We are very much aware of how much our tourism businesses are suffering as a result of the pandemic and we hope that by extending the Blackpool Illuminations season by two months, it will give them an opportunity to bring in some additional trade.

“We are planning for a safe, socially distanced Illuminations experience and will be keeping all Government health guidance under review as we move towards the autumn season.”

Alan Cavill, director of communications and regeneration at Blackpool Council, said the full stretch of Illuminations, including the tableaux at Bispham, would shine for the duration of the additional two months.

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He said crews would be regularly on site to carry out maintenance in the event of damage caused by worsening weather conditions later in the year.

Mr Cavill said: “This year is an exception so we will take it on the chin if there is any damage.

“The aim is to try and help businesses make a bit more money out of this year and that’s why we’re taking this action because we feel it’s exceptional circumstances.”

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