Jonathan Ross & Gary Barlow Switch-On the Illuminations

Celebrity broadcaster Jonathan Ross flicked the switch for Blackpool Illuminations in 2013, a different show as the event had been extended for a whole weekend! It even made national news that year after The Script had to cancel their appearance at the last minute. With only 48 hours notice, it was a huge challenge for Blackpool to find a replacement but they managed to do it in style by getting Gary Barlow to appear as the headline act. The Take That star, Gary Barlow, brought the Illuminations alive with an amazing show. Plus singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle performed as a special guest. Assisting Jonathan were local radio show hosts from Radio Wave, Ged Mills and Hayley Kay.

Jonathan Ross has a personal love of Blackpool after previously visiting the resort with his family and returning again in 2013 to coincide with his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Jane Goldman. He said: “I am thrilled to have been asked to Switch-On the Illuminations. We visited Blackpool last year and were blown away by what a great place it is for families. To be asked to come back this year and Switch-On the Lights is fantastic and we are all looking forward to spending another weekend in resort. I can’t believe I am going to get to stand in front of The Blackpool Tower and flick the switch that lights up Blackpool until November 10.”

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Marketing Blackpool, said: “We have wanted Jonathan as our official Switch-On star for some time, so we are delighted he has accepted. Jonathan and his family made it quite clear when they visited Blackpool last year just how great they thought the resort was. They are fantastic ambassadors for us and it is only right that we give Jonathan this opportunity to visit again and be the star of our biggest event of the year. This year marks a big change to the format for the event and we are programming a weekend of concerts to fully utilise the unique venue of The Tower Festival Headland.”

Jonathon Ross (centre) introduces Gary Barlow at a concert to celebrate the lighting of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations on the Blackpool Promenade. Assisting Jonathan were local radio show hosts Ged Mills(R) and Hayley Kay(L). PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. 30 August 2013. © Alamy/Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Gary Barlow performs at a concert to celebrate the lighting of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations on the Blackpool Promenade. © Alamy/Peter Byrne/PA Wire