Blackpool Illuminations

There is probably not a person in the world (well maybe some people) who have not heard of or seen Blackpool Illuminations. They usually shine from the first weekend in September until the around the 7th November and the switch on is always a big event. Everybody from Red Rum to Dr Who and Top Gear have flicked the famous switch over the years and this year it is the turn of Robbie Williams who will turn them on Friday 3rd September 2010. This year's switch on is causing controversy as it has always been a free for all event, but this year while still free is a ticketed event. So people wanting to go and watch had to apply then there would be a lottery for wristbands, of which the people of Blackpool were going to be given a few thousand tickets and the rest given to others. However it emerged last week that some of these tickets had ended up on ebay, which obviously angered people from Blackpool, so they are supposed to be in the process of being removed from ebay. Back in the day when I was growing up, the switch on was always at Talbot Square opposite North Pier and as it got to be a bigger event, it moved to Central Car Park. This year it will be held on St Chad's Headland as as well as Robbie Williams, it has emerged that Russell Watson, The Wanted, Olly Murs,  and Gabriella Climi will be appearing, Alesha Dixon and The Plain White T's are also rumoured to be appearing.

There are many ways to view the illumination's and if you have the energy, there is no better way than walking them (although it is a very long walk!!!)
If you want an easier way then you can either drive through them and depending on what day and time you choose to go, it can take a good couple of hours or if you don't want the stress of driving there are open top bus tours which operate Monday to Friday from Marton Mere Holiday Park.
If you fancy something a bit different why not book tour on an illuminated tram which departs from North Pier Tram stop and costs £5 for adults and £3.50 for children over 5 (under 5's are free).
Blackpool Landau's also operate tours prices on request to each landau and as far as I am aware they are not allowed to operate on Saturdays (according to Blackpool evening gazette) due to the amount of traffic.

For more of my Blackpool and Illuminations photos go to my Flickr website.

On Tuesday 31st August 2010, there is a 'Ride the lights' event along Blackpool promenade, which is a preview of the lights by push bike only. It is from 7pm until 10pm and you can ride and see as much or as little as you choose with no other traffic other than bikes oh and its free too.