WESTLIFE will be swapping their Seasons in the Sun for an autumn bathed in the light of Blackpool's Illuminations as they switch on the sparkling spectacular in September.

And they are not the only stars that will be shining bright in Talbot Square on September 1.

The record-breaking boy band from Ireland will also be joined by teen-pop sensation Billie Piper, Paul Carrack -- voice of Mike and the Mechanics -- plus Elvis impersonator extraordinare The King.

Westlife, pictured, are going to be performing three numbers before flicking the switch that will light up half a million bulbs stretching six miles down the prom.

"We are really looking forward to coming to Blackpool and being part of the excitement as we switch the famous lights on," said Westlife's Shane. The band, co-managed by Boyzone front-man Ronan Keating, have rocketed to fame in the year-long period they have been signed to RCA and have smashed their way into the Guinness Book of Records by achieving FIVE consecutive number ones, including their millennium number one "I Have a Dream."

Last year Mike and the Mechanics, Martine McCutcheon, Culture Club and Gary Barlow were on hand for the Radio 2 Roadshow lights switch-on compered by Terry Wogan.

Other famous names to launch the Illuminations include Shirley Bassey, Jane Mansfield, the cast of Dad's Army and of course, Red Rum.

Blackpool's head of tourism, Jane Seddon, said "Having such a hugely popular band like Westlife to switch on the the Illuminations will ensure a spectacular family show to launch the millennium lights."