One of Lancashire’s greatest music talents is coming home – to switch on the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.

Actor and international singing star Alfie Boe, who was born in the resort and raised in neighbouring Fleetwood, will pull the switch to trigger the start of the 2018 Illuminations season at the official Switch-On concert on the Tower Festival Headland on Friday 31 August.

During the free four-hour show there will be performances by Ella Eyre, Jonas Blue, Diversity, DVJ (Diversity Junior) and Club MTV DJs, R3wire and Varski in what is the coolest party in Blackpool’s calendar.

Alfie joins a long list of celebrities who have switched on the Blackpool Illuminations including Hollywood director Tim Burton, Robbie Williams, Peter Kay and Dame Barbara Windsor. Last year, Diversity and the Star Trek franchise produced a unique collaboration to kick-start 66 nights of Illuminations in the resort.

As a young boy growing up on the coast, Alfie dreamed of a career as a singer. He was discovered singing in a mechanics garage where he worked and went on to conquer the world’s most prestigious stages.

Alfie Boe is a two time Brit award and Silver Clef winner. He has had two number 1 albums as part of Ball & Boe alongside close friend Michael Ball, selling-out three UK tours and performing in their own prime time ITV specials. The pair also appeared on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing episode in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are thrilled that Alfie Boe has agreed to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations for 2018. He is an outstanding talent and we are very proud to welcome him home for what is our biggest night of the year.”

The Friday night celebration will start with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase featuring the best of talent from across the Fylde Coast, prior to the start of the main show.

As last year, the Switch-On event will be free, with people invited to apply for the 20,000 wristbands that will guarantee entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena.

The wristband ballot closes at 09:00 on July 26. To register, click here.

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