It’s the show that everyone loves. The Blackpool Illuminations 2026 Switch On – kicking off the season in style!
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2026 – FRIDAY 4 September 2026
Important Information!
- Places to park in Blackpool – arrive early it will be BUSY!
- Lights Switched On at the end of the event at approx 9pm
- NEW Illuminations for this year still to be revealed!
- Daily switch on/off times available here
- Your Complete Guide to visiting the Blackpool Illuminations
- Lightpool Festival takes place at October half-term, from 15-31 October 2026
- Traditionally the Illuminations season runs from Switch On until the beginning of November (October half-term holidays)
- But Christmas by the Sea begins in mid November featuring the Blackpool Illuminations! The Lights go off at the end of the season, on 3 January 2027
Blackpool’s BIG Switch On Night 2026
The free outdoor event on the Tower Festival Headland, in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower, takes place on Friday 4 September 2026 and marks the start of the iconic Illuminations season.
British pop favourites Five are set to make Everybody Get Up for the biggest night in the resort’s calendar, as they take centre stage at this year’s Illuminations Switch‑On. With an hour long headline set, Five will be joined by rock quintet The Feeling and chart‑topping singer‑songwriter Lucy Spraggan.
This year VisitBlackpool will collaborate with the BBC, with the evening hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley. As part of the collaboration, BBC Radio Lancashire will also showcase some of the region’s most exciting up-and-coming talent through BBC Introducing.
Who will Switch On the Blackpool Illuminations in 2026?
Blackpool Council and VisitBlackpool organise the Blackpool Illuminations and Switch On each year. The announcements usually begin in early Spring, starting with the support acts and surrounding entertainment. As summer approaches the big names and highlights are revealed. Including the star who will flick the famous Switch On switch!
Paddy McGuinness is Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Star for 2026
The much loved television and radio presenter, comedian and author Paddy McGuinness will perform the honour of switching on the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations at this year’s Switch-On event on Friday 4 September 2026.
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One of the UK’s most recognisable television and radio personalities, Paddy is no stranger to Blackpool. He’s previously performed at both the Winter Gardens and the Grand Theatre. Filmed an episode of Top Gear in the resort and cycled through the town for charity. That was part of his BBC Children in Need fundraising challenge.
This year’s event sees Blackpool Tourism Limited collaborate with the BBC. The evening is hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley. As part of the collaboration, BBC Radio Lancashire will also showcase some of the region’s most exciting up-and-coming talent through BBC Introducing.
The star-studded evening begins with a spectacular free concert on the Tower Festival Headland. Featuring performances from singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan, rock quintet The Feeling and headlined by iconic British pop group Five.
Thousands of people will gather for the annual celebration in an arena in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower, which marks the start of the Illuminations season and officially lights up six miles of Blackpool’s Promenade.
Find out about the 2025 Switch On Event here, when Olly Murs lit up the town!
Blackpool Illuminations 2026 Switch On Night – Draw now OPEN!
The Switch-On event is FREE for the lucky winners of the 20,000 tickets allocated in the random draw. Winners get FREE entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena for the event on Friday 4 September.
FREE Ticket Ballot: Register your details to be in with a chance of winning tickets to Blackpool’s biggest free party!
- The ballot closes at 11pm on Sunday 9 August.
- Tickets will be fairly split between Blackpool Council residents and visitors.
- Successful applicants will be required to pay a £5 admin fee per booking.
Get a GUARANTEED Ticket!
Don’t want to leave it to chance? Bypass the ballot entirely and secure your spot with Golden Circle access.
For just £12.00 (plus £5 admin fee) you can guarantee your place right at the front of the stage. This exclusive area puts you up close and personal with the incredible line-up, offering the absolute best views in the arena. Tickets are limited.
Golden Circle: Book tickets here
Did you know? The Illuminations date back to 1912, but the tradition of a special switch on ceremony ‘only’ began in 1934.
DON’T FORGET – the Illuminations shine nightly until 3 January 2027.
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