This year’s Blackpool Illuminations Switch On promises to be an unmissable occasion and we’re hoping to see you there soon! We understand that you’ll have some questions, so whilst winners of the ballot will be emailed the details in-full, we wanted to provide answers to our FAQs:
1. When will we find out if we’ve won?
Winners emails have now been sent out to all successful applicants. Please check junk and spam folders in case your e-mails end up there.
Please note, winners will be contacted by VisitBlackpool (news@latest.visitblackpool.com) no other channels or accounts will be used to contact winner.
2. How do the e-tickets work?
All successful applicants will receive an initial confirmation via email notifying them that they have won tickets via the ballot process. This will be followed by a separate e-ticket from our official ticketing partner, Skiddle. We anticipate that all successful applicants will receive an e-ticket by Friday 23 August.
You may either print your ticket and bring it with you, or download your e-ticket to the official Skiddle App and present it on your mobile phone (instructions of how to do this will be in the e-mail). All guests will be scanned into the arena at the entrance gates, so ensure you have all tickets with you or you won’t be able to access the arena. All members of your party must have a ticket.
3. Are Pushchairs allowed inside the arena?
Yes, pushchairs are allowed in the arena. Please note that there is no buggy park inside, so you will need to stay with the pushchair at all times.
4. I didn’t win tickets, can I still attend the Switch On?
Yes, we will have a dedicated screening zone allowing guests to enjoy the Switch On and performances from the Promenade. A live relay will broadcast the festival via a large screen outside Central Pier.
As with previous years, we’re also welcoming guests without e-tickets to Blackpool to soak up the atmosphere and experience the Illuminations up close and personal!
6. Can I bring a bag with me?
Please note that due to increased security measures, no backpacks, large bags, holdalls or suitcases will be admitted into the venue, nor will any food or drink (there are plentiful stalls onsite). You will be refused entry if you attempt to enter the venue with prohibited items.
Patrons with accessible and medical requirements/equipment will be considered on an individual basis but are encouraged to contact the venue in advance for ease of entry. There will be no temporary storage facilities for such items within the venue and it will be left to the patron to find a safe temporary facility to hold any items. All bags will be searched.
7. Where’s the party at?
The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-on Arena is located on The Tower Festival Headland, opposite the Blackpool Tower – please note that if you are travelling by car we suggest you aim to use Central Car Park Multi-Storey. A map detailing car parks available in Blackpool can be viewed here.
If you are travelling by train to Blackpool North, the arena is a ten-minute walk from the station, just head towards the Promenade and the arena is to the left of North Pier.
8. What do we do if I see someone attempting to sell e-tickets online?
Tickets to the Switch-On Event are only available via ballot, hosted on the VisitBlackpool website. VisitBlackpool prohibit tickets being resold, and advise that guests with unwanted tickets transfer these to trusted friends or family, or return these tickets via Skiddle.
VisitBlackpool and Skiddle are not responsible for tickets beyond the point of the ballot process, and those purchasing from resellers and unofficial channels are liable for any damages and costs incurred by refusal of entry.