The Blackpool Illuminations, often called the “Switch-On” lights, started back in 1879 when Blackpool’s council celebrated the first use of electric lights along the Promenade. They kicked things off by spending £5,000 on a trial of electric street lighting. They set up eight arc lamps on 60-foot poles along the seafront. At the time, people were still using candles for light, so this new setup amazed everyone and got nicknamed “artificial sunshine.” These electric lights drew curious visitors to Blackpool, starting an annual tradition that continues to this day. Although the early lamps had a quirky issue—they would often go out when the tide came in because water would seep into the cast iron wiring pipes. The Illuminations got a major update in 1925 after an 11-year pause due to World War I.
The tradition of the “Switch-On” ceremony began in 1934, officially marking the start of the Illuminations season. This event, where a celebrity or notable figure turns on the lights, has become a big occasion in late summer or early autumn. Over the years, the Illuminations have embraced new technologies and now feature thousands of lights, themed displays, and illuminated tram tours. They’ve become a major symbol of Blackpool, showcasing its vibrant nightlife and entertainment. Today, the Blackpool Illuminations run for about 66 days from late August to early November. The event remains a highlight for the town, bringing in tourists and boosting local festivities.
Celebrity switch-ons include: Tim Burton, Geri Halliwell, Alfie Boe, Mel B, Alan Carr, Bill Clinton and Jayne Mansfield. Blackpool BID often has a Christmas Lights switch-on in the town centre, one of which was done by Joe McElderry.
A scene from Blackpool where the first post-war illuminations are taking place. Three hundred thousand electric lamps, moulded into towers, clowns, figures and decorative whirls deck the resort in many scenes as brightly lit as this. Two million visitors are expected to view the 1000 flood-lights, 1000 flagpoles, 36 miles of festoon lights, and 26 miles of festoon strip which decorate the promenade. An array of a hundred men worked five months to produce the free show the estimated cost of which is £50,000. 20 September 1949.
People taking photographs in front of Blackpool train of lights
The Queen Amid The Blackpool Lights and a background of Crowns formed by the famous Blackpool illuminations, the, Queen, resplendent in a silver-embroidered white net gown and a glittering circlet (jewelled tiara), arrives at Blackpool’s Opera House for last night’s Royal Variety Performance. This was the first Variety Command Show to be held outside London and was arranged as part of the current Royal tour of Lancashire. April 14, 1955. (Photo by Alamy/Reuterphoto)
