Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to switch on Blackpool Illuminations

The star of Channel 4’s Changing Rooms will pull the famous switch at the end of a live concert in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom today (September 2).

He replaces actor and comedian Johnny Vegas who announced last week he was being forced to pull out of the Switch-On ceremony due to unforeseen personal circumstances.

Laurence has collaborated with the Illuminations team for several years, designing a number of spectacular features and installations.

His appearance as switch-on star this year coincides with the unveiling of a dazzling makeover for the Golden Mile, in which Laurence has created a stretch of Art Deco-style features that will celebrate a golden age of 1930s glamour.

The 21 overhead light installations form a brand new section entitled Neo Neon in front of The Blackpool Tower. Each measuring almost 14 metres in length, the installations are divided into three separate styles - arches, wings and fans.

Together, they will create a stunning new look on the resort’s best-known stretch of promenade.

Laurence said: “The Blackpool Illuminations represent something really special in the hearts of the British people and I am thrilled to be able to pull that famous switch in the magnificent Tower Ballroom.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Laurence is one of our greatest ambassadors and it is fitting that he should be pulling the switch in a year when he completely reimagined how the Golden Mile will look during the autumn and winter seasons.”

The annual Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On concert, which is being staged in association with MTV, will be filmed in front of a live audience in the ballroom. Almost 2,000 tickets for the show were issued via a free ballot that attracted tens of thousands of applications.

Hosted by Becca Dudley, the concert will include performances by Blue, Tom Grennan, Mae Muller, Fuse ODG and Nina Nesbitt. It will then be followed by the official Switch-On, triggering four months of Illuminations in the resort.

The concert and switch-on moment will be streamed to a global audience via VisitBlackpool and MTV channels. Last year, that attracted more than 160,000 views from as far afield as Australia, Canada and the United States. It will also be live-streamed on a specially-erected screen on the nearby Tower Festival Headland.

The 2022 Blackpool Illuminations have once again been extended by two months and will shine each night from September 2 to January 2, 2023.

Blackpool Illuminations remain one of the UK’s most endearing and enduring tourist attractions, having shone for more than a century.

The newly-reimagined Golden Mile area is the first section of the Illuminations to benefit. The roadway section is entirely programmable, giving the Illuminations team full control of the lighting display.

A VisitBlackpool spokesperson said: “This newly-designed section is spellbinding, taking visitors on a colourful and evocative journey through the nostalgic era of the thirties. It showcases the true creativity of Laurence and our talented in-house Illuminations team.”

Other features to be unveiled during this year’s Illuminations season and associated Lightpool Festival (which runs from October 14-29) include the biggest ever standalone installation, Odyssey, which has been co-created by international designer Jack Irving and a team from Lancaster University.

Every Friday night in September Blackpool Pleasure Beach will open at 4pm and guests will be able to enjoy rides, and the unique atmosphere until 9pm.

As well as bright lights and night riding, the park’s resident DJ will be playing the latest tunes, and creating a party atmosphere, in the HUB. It’s the perfect way to get into the weekend spirit and get ready for a big night out.

The HUB will also be selling specially themed cocktails each Friday evening.

With the park open until 9pm guests can ride into the night on the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One, check out the twists, turns and acceleration of ICON at twilight, enjoy a night race on the Grand National and ride into dusk on the Big Dipper. Whatever thrills take your fancy, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the place to be.

Younger riders can meet up with Paw Patrol and other characters at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land with its 12 amazing rides before checking out the world’s first Wallace & Gromit ride, Thrill-O-Matic.