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It’s almost time for the greatest free light show on the planet, as Blackpool gets ready for a massive night of stars, music, and entertainment at the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On concert at the end of the month. So get ready for an electrifying evening in Blackpool!

 

The award-winning singer-songwriter Ella Henderson is set to headline the highly anticipated Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On celebration, along with entertainment from the Massaoke show by Rockstar Weekend, BGT winner Sydnie Christmas, a DJ set by former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, and a super special guests to switch on the world-famous lights!

 

Ella, who recently joined the elite Brit Billion club with over a billion digital streams of her music, will grace the Tower Festival Headland with an extended set of her chart-topping hits on Friday, 30 August, at the free outdoor concert that promises a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.

 

Presented in association with Hits Radio, the event will also feature performances by Grammy-nominated artist and founding member of The Pussycat Dolls, Kimberly Wyatt, as well as the dynamic Massaoke show by Rockstar Weekend, hailed by critics as “the greatest party band of all time.”

 

Ella first captured hearts on The X-Factor before releasing her debut album, Chapter One, which soared to the top of the UK albums chart. Her breakout single, Ghost, along with hits like Glow and Yours, cemented her place in the music industry.

 

With three Brit nominations and ten Top 10 singles, Ella has also enjoyed successful collaborations with artists such as Sigma, David Guetta, Becky Hill, Jax Jones, Tom Grennan, Joel Corry, and Rudimental. Her latest single, Under The Sun, a collaboration with Alok and Switch Disco, continues to showcase her versatility.

 

Returning to the Switch-On stage after her 2021 pandemic-era performance, Ella is set to dazzle once again, this time in front of a massive outdoor audience. Last year's event drew a record crowd of 80,000, and this year's spectacle is expected to be even bigger. The evening will culminate in the iconic Switch-On moment, ushering in four months of dazzling Illuminations.

 

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, expressed her excitement: “We are delighted to welcome Ella back to Blackpool to headline what will be an amazing night. She is the perfect performer to headline a concert that will feature the very best of local, national and international talent.”

 

The festivities will kick off with performances from some of Blackpool’s brightest young musicians. The Upbeat Rock Academy, which provides rock music tuition to over 300 students from the Fylde Coast, will present a 90-minute showcase of local talent. Joining them will be Blackpool-based House of Wingz, an award-winning hip-hop dance crew known for their national TV appearances.

 

The main event, hosted by Leanne and Joel from the Hits Radio breakfast show, will start with the Massaoke show by Rockstar Weekend. This unique mass participation experience projects lyrics from iconic hits on giant LED screens, turning the audience into the stars for the biggest family singalong Blackpool has ever seen!

 

Sydnie Christmas, the first female singer to win Britain’s Got Talent, will also be joining the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On celebration.

 

Sydnie’s career began in musical theatre, where she appeared in various productions before entering the 17th season of Britain’s Got Talent. Her audition, featuring a performance of Tomorrow from the musical Annie, earned her judge Amanda Holden’s “Golden Buzzer” and a direct path to the semi-finals.

 

She ultimately won the competition with a stunning rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," capturing the audience’s hearts and securing over 27 per cent of the public vote. Her audition has since been viewed more than 40 million times.

 

Sydnie is preparing to release her debut album, My Way, and will soon embark on her first national tour.

 

Following Massaoke, Kimberly Wyatt will take the stage with a high-energy DJ set featuring some of the biggest tracks of the Noughties, dance hits, and pop classics, adding to the evening’s excitement.

 

But everyone wants to know who will switch on the lights this year, so we’ll tell you what you want, what you really, really want…

 

Pop icon and Spice Girls star Mel B is set to switch on this year’s Blackpool Illuminations, marking a special homecoming to the resort where her journey to stardom began as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at Pleasure Beach Resort.

 

Mel, famously known as Scary Spice, skyrocketed to global fame in the 90s with the Spice Girls, who sold over 100 million records, becoming the best-selling female group of all time. Beyond her Spice Girls success, Mel has forged a diverse career as a solo singer-songwriter, TV personality, and actress, with notable work in the UK, Australia, and the United States.

 

Recently, Mel was honoured with an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her impactful work with domestic abuse victims and her lasting influence as a music icon. In 2022, she was also awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for her charitable efforts, particularly as a patron of Women’s Aid.

 

Reflecting on her upcoming role in the iconic event, Mel shared her excitement: "I’m so thrilled to be turning on the Illuminations because Blackpool has played a big part in my life and career. I was just 16 when I came to Blackpool to be part of the Mystique dance group. To me, it was the most glamorous place in the world – the Vegas of Britain."

 

She continued, "I had so much to learn, so fast, and it stood me in good stead for everything that came later. I love the people, the place, and of course the fish and chips—with plenty of scraps. So, to have the opportunity in 2024 to come back and turn on the Illuminations means so much to me. I’m really excited to get the party started!"

 

Don't miss this spectacular celebration on the Tower Festival Headland on Friday, August 30th. It promises to be an unforgettable night of music, dance, and community spirit!

 

But no matter whether you’re heading to the Switch-On concert, or visiting the world-famous Illuminations later in the year, and come rain or shine, you can be assured that Coral Island, right on the seafront in the midst of the Tower Headland illuminations, will be open every day (except Christmas Day), so why not come and visit?

 

There’s everyone’s favourite traditional seaside amusements, as well as the latest and greatest video arcade games, where you can race, shoot, and ride your way to victory. There are ride-on games and the fabulous ride-on Hungry Hungry Hippos for the smaller children too, crane grabbers, penny pushers, and so much more.

 

You can take a terrifying trip to the briny deep on the Ghost Train, and investigate the spooky goings on amidst the wreck of a pirate ship, or ride on the Pirate Flyer, a monorail adventure high above the crowds of Coral Island. Maybe you’d like to try our brand new ride - the Sky Rider, the ultimate pirate adventure!

 

But if exploring the six miles of illuminations has worked up an appetite, then you’ll find delicious food to suit even the fussiest of eaters at Coral Island. For many people, it has to be fish and chips at the seaside, and you can get takeout from the Prom Chippy as you stroll along the Promenade, or why not take a seat and rest at the Big Fish Trading Co. or the Traditional Chippy?

 

You’ll find great value pub grub with all the family favourites at The Buccaneer Family Bar & Restaurant, decked out like the Captain’s library, with hidden treasures beneath the floorboards, and spooky piratical portraits watching from the walls!

 

Why not set sail for Coral Harbour Kitchen & Bar, where you’ll discover cuisine from all around the world at the street food-style marketplace, with Asian-inspired dishes, roast chicken, hot dogs, and burgers, a fantastic selection of pasta and sauces, garlic bread, and, of course, fish and chips! There’s also a fully stocked bar with hot and cold drinks and boozy beverages for the adults.

 

What’s even better is that Kids Eat FREE at Coral Island! Any child aged under 10 can receive a free kids meal with each paid adult meal at participating restaurants - terms and conditions apply, so please see our website for more details.

 

There’s also Captain Jack’s Bar & Grill, which is ideal for those with older kids who want something a little different. Like a beachfront tiki shack, Captain Jack’s is famous for its double-dipped, extra-wide, pork ribs and stacker burgers layered with fresh ingredients and toppings.

 

So what are you waiting for? The Illuminations Switch-On concert will be on Friday 30 August, and the Illuminations will be running all the way until the 2025 new year, and Coral Island will be here waiting for you! See you soon?