Huge crowds gathered on Blackpool's seafront on Friday night as the 2026 Blackpool Illuminations season officially got under way.
Hosted at the Tower Festival Headland, the annual switch-on event saw comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness flick the switch on one of the resort's biggest attractions, with a stunning fireworks display entertained a delighted audience.
McGuinness described the experience of switching on the illuminations as a "proper full-circle moment", recalling childhood trips to the resort with his father.
"Never in a million years did I think that one day I’d be the one turning them on.
"Thanks for having me, Blackers. You were bloody magnificent!"
Prior to McGuiness' arrival, music performances entertained the crowds throughout the afternoon and evening.
Among those performing was singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan, who described Blackpool as a place she had fond memories of visiting as a child.
Speaking before taking to the stage, Spraggan said: "We used to take a trip up to come and see the illuminations when I was younger, so I know what a big deal it is for the community and for people further afield."
The performer, who was playing the final show of her summer tour, also praised the atmosphere in the town, adding: "Blackpool is one of those places that still has a really strong essence of community, and it's stuff like this that bring people somewhere and make them feel involved."
Spraggan said seaside towns such as Blackpool remained a key part of British culture, adding: "I've always loved going to the arcade and just relaxing somewhere where it does feel like time hasn't changed."
Also appearing at the event were chart favourites The Feeling, who said they always enjoyed performing in the resort.
Reflecting on their long association with the town, the band said: "We've been playing here since about 2006. That's a good 20 years we've been coming here on a regular basis, so yeah, we love it a lot."
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Discussing Blackpool audiences, the group added: "When you get to the north of England generally, you just get a kind of genuine, warm response from the audience. So they're always really lovely to play to."
The band also backed Blackpool's bid to become UK City of Culture, with one member saying: "I think that would be great. I think that's a really good idea. I'd love it to be Blackpool."
The illuminations will now run nightly along six miles of Blackpool Promenade until January, with organisers expecting millions of visitors to travel to the resort during the season.
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