Blackpool is preparing for the six miles of its promenade to be closed as cyclists are given a sneak preview of the 2023 illuminations.
Three days ahead of the lights switch on, Ride The Lights will take place on Tuesday, August 29.
This year, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor will turn the lights on later next week on Friday, September 1 and shine nightly until the start of January, 2024.
The free family event is open to people of all ages as well as bikes of all shapes and sizes.
Blackpool Promenade to close to traffic
Blackpool Promenade will close to traffic on Tuesday from 6.30pm until 10.30pm as the Ride The Lights event starts at 7pm and ends at 10pm.
Cyclists can join in at any time during that period and they are recommended to join the event at either the Starr Gate or Red Bank Road gateways to the promenade.
Overspill parking will be available at a pop-up car park at Blackpool Airport.
You can find out more about the event via the Visit Blackpool website.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Ride The Lights is an amazing event that is unique to Blackpool. Where else can you ride a bike in a traffic-free environment under a million shimmering lights!
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come to Blackpool and enjoy one of the most enduring tourist attractions in the land.”
The Illuminations season has been extended again by two months, meaning it will end on Monday, January 1, 2024.
What to expect from this year’s Blackpool Illuminations
Trinity Hospice will stage its annual Night Run, starting on the Tower Festival Headland opposite the Blackpool Tower on Wednesday, August 30.
You can find out more about the event via the Trinity Hospice website.
The annual Illuminations Switch-On will take place on Friday, September 1 and the celebrations will start with a colourful float parade featuring the stars of Children’s TV channel Nickelodeon.
Starting from Central Pier, children can look out for characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Baby Shark, Monsters High and Transformers.
Around 100 dancers, musicians and street performers will join them as they head to the Tower Festival Headland for a free family party including live music and entertainment before the lights are switched on.
Then, there will be a specially-commissioned sound and light show on The Blackpool Tower that will be synchronised with LED wristbands to be given out to spectators.
A fireworks finale will end the night and guests can attend for free with no tickets required.
The build-up will start from 7pm, with the float parade scheduled to start around 7.30pm.
The main celebrations on the Tower Festival Headland will take place between approximately 8pm and 9.30pm but it’s worth noting that timings could change.
Any updates will be available via the Visit Blackpool website.
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