1st September 2023
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The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On 2023 was a dazzling and delightful event that marked the start of a four-month-long display of lights, colours and entertainment. The switch-on party, which took place on Friday, September 1, was free to attend and featured a variety of attractions and performances to entertain everyone.
One highlight of the evening was the grand parade of Nickelodeon characters, which included favourites such as Baby Shark, PAW Patrol, Spongebob SquarePants and Transformers. The parade, which started from Central Pier and ended at the Tower Headland, was accompanied by over 100 dancers and street performers who added to the festive atmosphere. But i felt this part was completely disorganised with no where sign-posted to say where to stand for the parade. I was standing on the edge of the path, which i thought was common knowledge for a front row view, but other people started setting up camp in the middle of the road. This resulted in a few raised voices from the security guards who tried to move them but obviously the paths already packed. I stood there just thinking how disorganised this was compared to similar events i have attended. Next year if they have a parade, a rope barrier ahead of the parade would be a good idea!
After the parade, some the dancers from the parade got the crowd to sing and dance along to the Spongebob Theme song on the stage. This was fun, but for a major switch-on event it just felt a bit of a let down. I didn't know the presenter who was on stage but i didn't find many of his jokes funny, and neither did many of the people around me either.
The switch-on itself was performed by pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who also gave a lively performance of some of her hits before pulling the lever that lit up the six-mile stretch of promenade with more than a million bulbs. Everyone cheered as the illuminations came to life, creating a magical spectacle that could be seen from miles away. Before the show, i had the opportunity to queue to collect a wristband that had LED lights on it, which flashed along with the Nickelodeon segment of the lightshow!
The party continued with more live music and a stunning light and sound show that projected images and animations from various Nickelodeon properties onto the iconic Blackpool Tower. This was followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the sky above the Irish Sea with bursts of colour and sparkle, all timed to songs from Katy Perry and One Direction. The finale was a lightshow on the Tower, themed to Kylie's All the Lovers!
Overall I felt it until Sophie Ellis-Bextor came on it felt slightly disorganised and not as good as last years event, but once Sophie and the actual light switch-on it really really picked up! This was a great way to kick off the extended season of illuminations, which will run until January 1, 2024. Im already making plans to attend to Switch-On 2024!
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