THIS year's illuminations are very nearly upon us and just before the switch on ceremony tomorrow (September 1) The Citizen can give you a sneak preview of the final additions to the dazzling repertoire.

As well as Westlife, Billie Piper and the Radio 2 Roadshow, there are a whole host of stars ready to shine at the flick of a switch.

Blackpool's front will come to life with even more lights than usual and there are a number of additions. First up is the Fountain Fantasia in Gynn Square, featuring 24 electronic fountains changing colour right before your eyes! Keeping with the Fylde coast's maritime theme, the lights will take the shape of octopuses, dolphins, seahorses and mermaids.

Also new is the Heaven and Hell display. Taking its name from the popular Blackpool nightspot, this section features 28 devils and angels, one of which is pictured here, shooting arrows and pitchforks at each other opposite Blackpool Tower.

Some of the resort's major hotels will take on a different look too. An old favourite has been revamped in the form of Pylon Parade outside the Metropole Hotel, and the Hilton Hotel area will feature 20 multicoloured party poppers. Originally intended for the millennium celebrations, they are now better than ever. There are also some new additions to the tableau lights within the cliffs area just north of Castle Casino. A group of 11ft high dancing pigs will disco dance in the Hog Boppin' display, while a swan surrounded by dancing cygnets and a sweeping curtain of lights called Swan Lake won't fail to delight.

The Laser Tableau promises to be a futuristic special effects extravaganza, and Kaleidoscopes features two giant towers of light, both creating dazzling show.

Jane Seddon, Blackpool Borough Council's head of tourism, said: "The Laser Tableau is something we're glad to welcome and it'll be the largest laser and slide effects show in Europe. We are also pleased to welcome new sponsors Heaven and Hell with their good versus evil themed display."

Blackpool's Year 2000 illuminations promise to be a spectacular sight and the switch-on ceremony looks set to be just as dazzling. Chart topping boy band Westlife will be on hand to help pull the lever, along with teenage songstress Billie Piper, Mike and the Mechanics singer Paul Carrack, Roachford, The King and recent Miss Blackpool winner Natalie James.

Radio 2 will be broadcasting live from the ceremony, hosted by presenter Richard Allinson and featuring live performances from the artistes.