The iconic Blackpool Illuminations are back!

Now tell me, is it because we have all been locked indoors for what feels like years, but are the Illuminations bigger and better this year?

With the news of an extended season and keeping the beautiful lights on until 3rd January 2021, you will have plenty time to go and check out these legendary landmarks (who else is looking forward to Christmas walks along the Illuminations?)

The Blackpool Illuminations stretch nearly six miles, from Red Bank Road all the way to Starr Gate, with the main, well known light displays being between Gynn roundabout and Bispham. This is where you can find the "Kids corner" and the iconic tableaux displays, Basil Brush, Sooty and Sweep and so much more!

DID YOU KNOW? The Blackpool Illuminations attract 3.5 million extra visitors to Blackpool each year

Blackpool Illuminations are vital to Blackpool, as many businesses, hotels and restaurants rely on the additional visitors during the autumn and winter months. Blackpool Illuminations also offer over forty-five members of staff jobs, ranging from artists, electricians, joiners and engineers who work all year ready for the great Switch On. 

The FIRST viral Switch On! This year to keep up with the COVID-19 regulations there was a virtual Switch On the 4th September 2020. The FREE hour-long streamed service included a "at home concert" from the likes of Melanie C, Becky Hill, Fleur East, Tom Grennan and Joel Corry, as well as a performance by Diversity.

Blackpool has seen some amazing individuals switching our famous Illuminations on including the lovely Barbara Windsor in 2016, in 2015 we met Hollywood heavyweight Tim Burton and there has been so many more in the past such as Peter Kay, Jonathan Ross, Keith Lemon, Robbie Williams and of course… Kermit the Frog all the way back in 1979!

DID YOU KNOW? There are more than 5,000 spotlights and floodlights

If you don’t feel like walking the nearly six miles through the lights, you have a few options. You can drive, however traffic is often busy, but it’s a close and personal way of seeing the lights. Alternatively, my favourite way is to jump on one of Blackpool’s Heritage Trams. Going from Pleasure Beach to Bispham, it's an intimate way to see the Illuminations while taking a step back into Blackpool’s interesting and varied history. One other great thing about Blackpool Heritage Trams is the price. From as little as £8, you can sit back and relax without having to re-mortgage your house!

Our stunning Blackpool Illuminations are ordinarily on for a staggering 66 nights in a row, so whether you decide to travel to Blackpool to take one of our Heritage Trams or are a local and feel like wrapping up warm and stepping out your door for a evening, or if you do it every year and reserve a hotel though us, we wish you a wonderful time. Keep safe and enjoy Blackpool.

Remember the 2020 Blackpool Illuminations have been extended to 3rd January 2021. If you want to check the Switch On time each night, you can find it here.

Written by LT's Vicky Rookley.

Tickets? Yes, please!

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