Coach trips and breaks including the illuminations and hotel
When: Usually August 2023 - November 2023
Where: The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 5BB
Useful Facts:
- The dazzling display of lights stretches almost six miles from Starr Gate to Bispham
- There are over a million lamps used in various types and styles
- The resort will be glowing in colour for 76 nights
- Over 3 million visitors are expected to visit the Blackpool Illuminations
- The Blackpool Illuminations only uses green electricity from renewable sources
- In 1939, the lights were erected but never switched on due to the outbreak of War
- In 2002, the display included a world's first in exterior LED technology
Life just wouldn't be the same in Lancashire if they didn't have the popular Blackpool Illuminations shining brightly for all to see along its famous Promenade.
The Blackpool Illuminations is quite a spectacle to see featuring almost every kind of light display that you can possibly imagine from lasers, neon and lightbulbs to fibre optics, searchlights and floodlighting – it could be said that you might need your sunglasses to witness this dazzling display of light! There's no end to the imagination used for over 500 scenic designs and features with set pieces made out of wood studded with lightbulbs. On some occasions, it is difficult to believe that these characters and objects are not actually moving – it's just cleverly orchestrated motion of the twinkling lights that makes this seem possible to the naked eye.
The popular Big Switch-On precedes the Blackpool Illuminations and usually takes place at The Tower Festival Headland. Approximately, 20,000 free tickets will be allocated at random to those who apply, with 50% reserved for households in Blackpool. For those of you who are unsuccessful in getting tickets for the Big Switch-On Concert, you can watch everything via a Big Screen located near to the Central Pier. You can also watch the event via Smooth Radio and Real Radio's website which will have a live streaming video feed. Every year Blackpool and Real/Smooth Radio keeps the identity of the mystery celebrity a secret until much closer to the day of the event. Wonder who will be switching on the Blackpool Illuminations this year?
Before the Big Switch-On of the Blackpool Illuminations there is 'Ride The Lights'. The Blackpool Promenade is closed off to all traffic except for bikes! If you have a bicycle, you can cycle from any point along the Blackpool Promenade from Starr Gate in the South to Red Bank Road, a distance of 10 km. 'Ride The Lights' has taken place since 2006 and the number of participants and their bikes increases every year!
During the Blackpool Illuminations, the whole family will be entertained by the range of other attractions hosted by the popular seaside resort. Attend a show on the pier or at the Winter Gardens and don't forget to try out the amusements and rides available at Pleasure Beach.
Tours start from only £15 per person for a daytrip or £150 per person for a 3 day tour per person. The tour packages to the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations include: return coach travel, overnight accommodation in a quality hotel with breakfast, plus a Blackpool Illuminations evening drive
Address: The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5BB
How to get there: All coach packages will include transfers directly to the venue. If you are travelling by train the nearest station is Blackpool North which is a 20 minute walk from the promenade.