Tonight is the big night – It’s the Switch on of Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations. This year’s event is FREE TO ATTEND and the promenade has been prepared for the potential thousands of visitors due to attend tonight’s event.

We’ve just learned of a collision between J27-28 of the M6 affecting both carriageways so visitors travelling via the M6 to Blackpool might want to seek an alternate route already ahead of tonight’s event.

It appears a lorry has collided and debris spread across both carriageways of the M6 – initial reports are that up to 6 fire engines – air ambulance and police are all on scene. This could mean delays and diversions well into the evening.

Public transport in Blackpool will also be affected from 3PM as Blackpool transport issued warnings about diversions to it’s services from 3pm today to allow for the switch on event to take place.

The stage set up is facing south this year – historically stage stes on the comedy carpet have always faced the north so this year will be an interesting change. Pic from Skyline Webcam Blackpool

With all being well for tonight’s event – the line up goes a little something like this…

Switch-On Line-Up

5pm – 6.30pm: Blackpool Introduces

This year’s event kicks off with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase, featuring talented performers from The Upbeat Rock Academy, which provides rock music training to over 300 students across the Fylde Coast. The hour-long segment will also highlight House of Wingz, an award-winning hip hop dance crew that has already captured the spotlight on national television.

Following “Blackpool Introduces,” the main event will take center stage from 7pm, hosted by Leanne and Joel, presenters of the Hits Radio breakfast show. The show will feature an exciting line-up of musical talent over two hours.

Main Show: 7pm – 9.15pm

Sydnie Christmas

Sydnie Christmas, who dazzled audiences in this year’s Britain’s Got Talent final, is set to join the star-studded lineup. As the first female singer to win BGT, Sydnie is poised to release her debut album, My Way, and embark on her first national tour.

Massaoke by Rockstar Weekend

The show will open with a high-energy “Massaoke” performance by Rockstar Weekend, dubbed by David Walliams as “the greatest party band of all time!” This unique touring production will invite the audience to sing along to some of the most beloved hits, with lyrics displayed on giant LED screens. The goal: to create Blackpool’s biggest family sing-along ever!

Kimberly Wyatt

Next on stage, pop sensation and Grammy-nominated artist Kimberly Wyatt will deliver a lively DJ set. The former Pussycat Dolls member will spin a mix of Noughties hits, dance tracks, and pop classics, adding a fun twist to the evening’s celebration.

Headliner: Ella Henderson

The night’s headline act will be Ella Henderson. Known for her powerful voice and chart-topping hits, Ella will deliver an extended set featuring songs from her extensive catalog. Rising to fame as a contestant on The X Factor, Ella went on to release her debut album Chapter One, which topped the UK albums chart and produced hits like “Ghost,” “Glow,” and “Yours.” A three-time Brit Award nominee, she has ten Top 10 singles to her name.

9.15pm – 9.30pm: Switch-On Moment with Mel B

The evening will conclude with the highly anticipated Switch-On moment led by Mel B. The Spice Girls star will light up Blackpool’s Illuminations for the next four months, marking a nostalgic return to the town where her career began as a 16-year-old dancer at the Pleasure Beach Resort.

Known worldwide as “Scary Spice” from the Spice Girls, Mel B and her bandmates sold over 100 million records, making them the best-selling female group of all time.