Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed on the Tower Festival Headland before pulling the switch to trigger four months of Illuminations.
Sophie shot to fame as a vocalist on Spiller’s huge number one single, ‘Groovejet’ and her worldwide hit, ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’.
The stars of Nickelodeon, the world’s favourite children’s TV channel,, also took over the Golden Mile for a float parade.
There was also specially-commissioned sound and light show on The Blackpool Tower that will be synchronised with LED wristbands to be given out to spectators, and then topped off with a fireworks finale over the seafront.
These were the scenes at the launch event.
1. wbegnews-switchon-nw.jpg
Blackpool Illuminations switch-on Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
2. Lighting up the prom
The illuminations in Blackpool have been switched on. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
3. Golden mile of lights
The switch-on event took place from around 7pm, giving people the chance to experience the famous Blackpool Illuminations. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
4. Light show
A specially-commissioned sound and light show on The Blackpool Tower ttook place before a fireworks finale over the seafront. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
5. Dazzling colours
A parade took place featuring larger-than-life characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Baby Shark, Monsters High and Transformers. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
6. Tunnel of light
Spiro is an immersive walk-through tunnel of light spanning 26 metres in length. Back by popular demand, the illuminated tunnel comprises individually-mapped LEDs that allow beautiful intricate patterns. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard