Illuminations Line-Up Announced

31st July 2009

 ALAN CARR TO SHINE IN BLACKPOOL’S BIGGEST EVER ILLUMINATIONS SWITCH-ON WEEKEND

visitBlackpool and BBC Radio 2 have today unveiled an amazing, star-studded celebrity weekend on 4^th and 5^th September to launch this year’s world famous Blackpool Illuminations, which will shine until 8 November.

In a major new first for the resort, the ‘Big Switch-On Weekend’will see BBC Radio 2 broadcast a whole series of live shows introduced by some of the station’s best-loved presenters. And Blackpool will also play host to an exciting programme of blockbusting events.

Flicking the famous switch on Friday night (4^th September) from the specially-built Switch-On arena, behind Blackpool’s Golden Mile, will be one-time Blackpool resident and Radio 2 presenter, comedian Alan Carr.

At the dazzling, celebrity-packed show presented by Kate Thornton, Alan will be joined by chart-topping X Factor finalists JLS, one of the UK's great bands Madness, Paloma Faith,pop princess Pixie Lott and Tony Christie, who will perform in celebration of the Switch-On ceremony.

As well as welcoming Radio 2 programming, Blackpool has also organised a whole host of major, free events making it what promises to be the biggest ever Switch-On weekend, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the resort. 

Highlights will include the World Fireworks Championships, the unveiling of St John’s a spectacular, new public piazza right in the heart of the resort and two days of world-class beach volleyball tournaments.

As well as tripping the switch, Alan Carr will be joined by his usual Radio 2 co-host Emma Forbes to broadcast live from aboard a Blackpool tram on the Saturday night. Going Out With Alan Carr which will be live between 6.00 - 8.00pm.

Alan said: “I can’t wait.  I’ll be turning you all on Friday night then cruising up and down the promenade in a tram decked out as a boat for my Radio 2 show Saturday night. Yes, only in Blackpool!!!!”

This incredible weekend will kick off on Friday (September 4^th) with Chris Evans presenting his Radio 2 Drivetime show live from the top of Blackpool Tower between 5.00 – 7.00pm.

For more information visitblackpool.com