Mel B Switches on the Lights

Mel B expressed how privileged she felt to be chosen to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations, a moment she described as especially meaningful due to her deep connection to the resort. The Spice Girls singer, who once lived in Blackpool as a teenager, recalled her early days as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at the Pleasure Beach. This experience marked her first professional job before she rose to global fame with the Spice Girls. Reflecting on her childhood, Mel B shared fond memories of her family visiting the Illuminations every year in their “clapped-out car,” sitting in traffic for hours to witness the lights come to life.

Her emotional connection to Blackpool made flipping the switch even more special, as she had personally requested to be the one to do it. The ceremony, held on the Tower Festival Headland, attracted thousands of spectators who were treated to an exciting evening, including a concert headlined by Ella Henderson. Other performances included Kimberly Wyatt, a Grammy-nominated artist and founding member of The Pussycat Dolls, and the energetic Massaoke show by Rockstar Weekend. The Illuminations, which stretch over six miles, are a major annual attraction in Blackpool, drawing millions of visitors each year, with 12 million attending the previous year. The lights will continue to shine until 5 January 2025, making Blackpool a glittering destination for the festive season.