Britain’s most popular comedian, Peter Kay, switched on Blackpool Illuminations in 2014. In a rare public appearance, the Phoenix Nights star, whose name has been synonymous with Blackpool since his record selling “Live at the Top of Tower” DVD, charmed the 20,000-strong crowd at Blackpool’s seafront Festival Headlands.Fireworks launched from the top of The Blackpool Tower as the lights turned on the Golden Mile and along the length of the town’s famous Promenade.
The Bolton-born comedian revealed his delight at turning on the famous display in an exclusive interview with Rock FM. He told the station: “Blackpool is a huge part of my life. It always has been and I’ve so much affection for it; so to be asked to turn the lights on is a massive big deal to me. I did my first live stand up show there. We filmed Phoenix Nights there. We filmed Max and Paddy there. And it looks brilliant now! There’s a lot of money been spent; the front looks gorgeous and it has really gone up a gear, so I’m absolutely made up about the whole thing.” He also gave some advice to Blackpool Illuminations visitors – “I always go the week the clocks go back and the lights start coming on at 5 O’clock,” he said. “So then you can get up and down quick, grab some fish and chips and have the kids back home and in bed by 8 O’clock. That’s my top tip!” You can see Peter Kay meeting the Queen HERE. You can also see him with Steve Royle HERE.
The big switch-on was preceded by entertainment from some of the biggest names in British music. Superstar girl band, Little Mix (who also performed for the 2012 Illuminations), headlined the Illuminations Switch-On concert with support coming from Texas, Texas, Pixie Lott, Union J, George Ezra and Matt Cardle amongst others.
Little Mix performing at the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on, featuring: Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh Ann Pinnock and Jade Thirwell. 29 August 2014
Pixie Lott appears live on stage at the Blackpool Lights Switch-on concert. Sue Burton/Alamy Live News. 29 August 2014
George Ezra at Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on concert. 29 August 2014
Rock FM’s Hywel and Jamie, oversaw the festivities while the first ever Switch-On Food Festival, ran throughout the day on Blackpool Promenade and continues throughout the weekend. The event was held on the Festival Headlands and hosted by Rock FM’s Danny Bee.
Saturday’s West End themed show features performances from the cast of Thriller Live, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Show on Stage, Chicago, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jon Lee of S Club 7 fame and friends performing songs from the Jersey Boys and Leanne Jones, star of Hairspray.
Sunday’s show, meanwhile, was headlined by Rebecca Ferguson with top nineties acts including Atomic Kitten (who also performed at the 2003 switch-on), Liberty X, 911 and Damage also taking part.
Rebecca Ferguson performs at Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on concert. 29 August 2014
Atomic Kitten after the switch on of the Illuminations. However, this image was taken eleven years earlier when they performed at the Illuminations on 29 August 2003.
© Visit Blackpool
