Tower Ballroom to host illuminations watch party

18 hours ago

Emma StanleyNorth West

A public ballot for 20,000 free tickets was held for the outdoor concert

Visit Blackpool A crowd of people looking towards a stage with purple lighting at a previous switch-on event — A public ballot for 20,000 free tickets was held for the outdoor concert

Thousands of people who missed out on tickets to attend a concert ahead of the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on will be able to apply for tickets for a party inside Blackpool Tower instead.

British pop band Five will perform alongside rock quintet The Feeling and chart-topping singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan at this year's switch-on concert.

The outdoor event will take place on the Tower Festival Headland on 4 September, in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower, and will mark the start of the illuminations season.

This year, for the first time, 3,000 free tickets will be available for people at attend a watch-party inside the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Three thousand people will watch the Illuminations concert and lights switch-on inside the Tower Ballroom

The ornate interior of Blackpool Tower Ballroom, featuring a lavish gold and cream ceiling decorated with detailed frescoes, sparkling chandeliers, and illuminated balconies surrounding the famous dance floor and seating area below. — Three thousand people will watch the Illuminations concert and lights switch-on inside the Tower Ballroom

It will offer an alternative for people who were not successful in the ballot, but still "want to enjoy the atmosphere of switch-on night in the heart of the resort", the council said.

It will allow residents and visitors to watch all the action unfold live on a big screen before Paddy McGuinness flicks the switch to light up the Promenade.

Kate Shane MBE, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: "The Illuminations switch-on is one of the biggest nights in Blackpool's calendar and demand for tickets is always incredibly high.

"It promises to be a fantastic night, and we want as many people as possible to come to Blackpool and enjoy the show."

Tickets are free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis at www.visitblackpool.com/switchon

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