Alan Carr to Shine in Blackpool's Biggest Ever Illuminations Switch On Weekend!

3rd August 2009

visitBlackpool and BBC Radio 2 have unveiled an amazing, star-studded celebrity weekend on 4th and 5th September to launch this year’s world famous Blackpool Illuminations, which will shine until 8 November.

In a major new first for the resort, the ‘Big Switch-On Weekend’ will see BBC Radio 2 broadcast a whole series of live shows introduced by some of the station’s best-loved presenters. Blackpool will also play host to an exciting programme of blockbusting events.

Flicking the famous switch on Friday night (4th September) from the specially-built Switch-On arena, behind Blackpool’s Golden Mile, will be one-time Blackpool resident and Radio 2 presenter, comedian Alan Carr.

At the dazzling, celebrity-packed show presented by Kate Thornton, Alan will be joined by chart-topping X Factor finalists JLS, one of the UK's great bands Madness, Paloma Faith, pop princess Pixie Lott and Tony Christie, who will perform in celebration of the Switch-On ceremony.

As well as welcoming Radio 2 programming, Blackpool has also organised a whole host of major, free events making it what promises to be the biggest ever Switch-On weekend, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the resort.

Highlights will include the World Fireworks Championships, the unveiling of St John’s a spectacular, new public piazza right in the heart of the resort and two days of world-class beach volleyball tournaments.

As well as tripping the switch, Alan Carr will be joined by his usual Radio 2 co-host Emma Forbes to broadcast live from aboard a Blackpool tram on the Saturday night. Going Out With Alan Carr which will be live between 6.00 - 8.00pm.

Alan said: “I can’t wait. I’ll be turning you all on Friday night then cruising up and down the promenade in a tram decked out as a boat for my Radio 2 show Saturday night. Yes, only in Blackpool!!!!”

This incredible weekend will kick off on Friday (September 4th) with Chris Evans presenting his Radio 2 Drivetime show live from the top of Blackpool Tower between 5.00 – 7.00pm.

Anton Du Beke of Strictly Come Dancing fame then presents a special swing Friday Night Is Music Night – the world’s longest-running live music programme on radio - live from Blackpool's Opera House between 7.00 - 8.30pm.

Featuring the BBC Big Band, special guests include legendary crooner Tony Christie and one to watch Paloma Faith. The ticket giveaway for this event will be open from Friday 14th August. For more information on how to get a ticket to this unique event go to bbc.co.uk/radio2.

Tony and Paloma then hot-foot it to the Radio 2 stage to join the rest of the star line-up for the Live At The Lights switch on ceremony which will be broadcast from 8.30pm, with a 9.25pm switch-on. Gates to the show will open at approx 4.00pm with entertainment from 6.00pm.

Jeff Smith, Head of Live Music for Radio 2, said: “We’ve always endeavoured to secure stellar line ups for our Blackpool Illuminations show.

“However, this year with Radio 2 Live In Blackpool we are really proud to be able to broaden our coverage and take our shows out of London and bring our presenters and programmes to the seaside. From the Tower to the Promenade we will be all over the town as we present one of Radio 2’s highlights of the year – Radio 2 Live In Blackpool.”

A star-studded concert at The Empress Ballroom will take place on Saturday (5th September) and will be broadcast live from 8.00 – 10.00pm. Details of performers will be announced on Radio 2 from Monday 3rd August when the ticket giveaway for this event will be open. For more information on how to get a ticket go to bbc.co.uk/radio2 from Monday 3rd August.

In the run up to Radio 2 Live In Blackpool, Danny Wallace heads to town to find out what people are listening to and why to compile The Nation’s Playlist. The programme will be broadcast between 10.00 – 11.00pm on Saturday, 5th September.

Councillor Maxine Callow, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Regeneration at Blackpool Council, said: “This year’s switch-on promises to be a fantastic weekend of events.

“What has been created is very special with something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in music and entertainment to the resort for what is shaping up to be a great weekend.

“BBC Radio 2 has done us proud and we are delighted to continue working alongside them. The fact that all of these shows will come live from Blackpool throughout the weekend only adds to the excitement!

“It all adds up to a great programme of activity for people looking for things to do and see during their stay in the resort.”

Major free events include:

• Saturday - unveiling of St John’s Piazza.

• Saturday evening - the Honda Goldwing Light Parade.

• World Fireworks Championships.

• Saturday and Sunday - the national finals of the English Volleyball Beach Tour championships.

For more information about the Big Switch - On Weekend ...

Radio 2 Live In Blackpool programming:

Chris Evans’ Drivetime – live from Blackpool Tower Friday September 4th 5.00 – 7.00pm

Friday Night Is Music Night – live from the Opera House Friday September 4th 7.00 – 8.30pm

Radio 2 Live At The Lights – live from the Radio 2 Arena Friday September 4th 8.30 – 9.30pm

Going Out With Alan Carr – live from a Blackpool Tram Saturday September 5th 6.00 – 8.00pm

Radio 2 Live in Blackpool – live from the Empress Ballroom Saturday September 5th 8.00 – 10.00pm

The Nation’s Playlist – broadcast Saturday September 5th 10.00 – 11.00pm

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