The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On, the biggest event in the resort’s calendar, is taking place tomorrow evening (Friday 1st September). However, due to planned industrial action, there will be no rail services to Blackpool on Friday 1st September. Additionally, a number of routes will have a very limited train service the following day, Saturday 2 September.

The focus for this year’s switch on is a family themed extravaganza which will culminate in a stunning fireworks display. It will all be centred around Blackpool Tower and Tower festival Headland, with the event returning outdoors for the first time in four years.

Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie will perform on the night, with the event starting at around 7 p.m. There’s also the Nickelodeon Grand Parade from 7.30pm, which will see a procession of favourite TV characters along the Golden Mile. The parade will include appearances by SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Baby Shark, Transformers, and Monsters High will be joined by around 100 dancers, musicians and street performers. They will make their way from Central Pier to the Tower Festival Headland for a free family party.

Blackpool Tower will also light up with especially-commissioned Nickelodeon-themed sound and light show that will be synchronised with LED wristbands to be given out to visitors.

For a fourth consecutive year, the lights will shine for an extended period for the 2023 season. Following Friday’s switch on, the illuminations will stay lit until Monday, January 1, 2024.