Johnny Vegas confirmed to switch on Blackpool Illuminations this year

More updates have been revealed about this year’s Blackpool Illuminations, with Johnny Vegas confirmed to be switching the lights on.

The legendary North West actor and comedian will pull the switch this year, at the end of a live concert in The Tower Ballroom on Friday September 2nd.

Johnny, from St Helens, will kickstart four months of bright and wonderful illuminations at the seaside resort as summer comes to an end.

Mark-S-Jobling / Wikimedia

People wanting to attend this year’s Switch-On concert had to enter a free-to-enter ballot, with 2,000 tickets up for grabs – the ballot has now closed, but there will be a limited number of golden circle tickets going on sale later this month, ITV reports.

The concert will be headlined by Blue, while singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and Mae Muller are also performing.

Both the concert and the Switch-On moment will be livestreamed across the MTV and VisitBlackpool channels, and event organisers are considering streaming it to an outdoor audience on the Tower Festival Headland.

Johnny said: “As a Northerner through and through, it is a real honour to be asked to switch on the iconic Illuminations. I have a great affection for Blackpool and am really looking forward to the big night in the Tower Ballroom.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce Johnny Vegas as this year’s Switch-On star.

“Down the years, he has been a true ambassador for Blackpool and his love of the Illuminations is obvious.

“This year, we are delighted to invite him back to do the real thing in front of a worldwide audience.”

Head over to the Switch-On event website here to find updates on timings and tickets, with winners of the free ballot tickets set to be notified over the coming weeks.