British pop favourites Five are set to make sure Everybody Get Up for the biggest night in the resort’s calendar, as they take centre stage at this year’s Illuminations Switch‑On.
The free outdoor event on the Tower Festival Headland, in the shadow of The Blackpool Tower, takes place on Friday 4 September 2026 and marks the start of the iconic Illuminations season.
Five will be joined by rock quintet The Feeling and chart‑topping singer‑songwriter Lucy Spraggan.
This year’s event sees VisitBlackpool collaborate with the BBC, with the evening hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley.
As part of the collaboration, BBC Radio Lancashire will also showcase some of the region’s most exciting up-and-coming talent through BBC Introducing. We can’t wait!
Full event timings and details on this year’s Switch-On star will be released in the coming weeks.
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How to win tickets:
The Switch-On event is a free, ticketed event with 20,000 tickets available through a public ballot. All you need to do is register your details in the link below to be in with a chance of winning tickets to Blackpool's biggest free party!
The ballot closes at 11pm on Sunday 9 August. Allocation is restricted to four tickets per household. Please ensure your details are correct as changes cannot be made after the ballot has closed.
If successful, you will have 24 hours to secure your tickets and complete a £5 admin fee. Good luck!
ENTER BALLOT NOW (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
How to guarantee your entry:
Don’t want to leave it to chance? If you want to bypass the ballot entirely and secure your spot at the summer's biggest event, our Golden Circle access is back by popular demand!
For just £12.00 (plus admin fee), you can guarantee your place right at the front of the stage. This exclusive area puts you up close and personal with the incredible line-up, offering the best views in the arena. Please note that tickets are strictly limited.
BUY GOLDEN CIRCLE (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Successful applicants will be notified from Monday 10 August and will be given 24 hours to confirm their attendance and complete the £5 admin fee. Please ensure you check your junk and spam folders.
If you do not complete the transactions within 24 hours, your tickets will be released.
All successful applicants will receive an initial email notifying them that they have won tickets through the ballot process.
You can either print your ticket to bring with you or download your e-ticket to the official Eventim app and present it on your mobile phone (full instructions will be included in your confirmation email). All guests will be scanned into the arena at the entrance gates. Please ensure you have all tickets ready on arrival, as you will not be granted access to the arena without them. Every member of your party must have a valid ticket.
Yes, we want the Switch-On to be accessible to everyone. There is a designated accessible viewing platform, which is split into two sections: one for ballot ticket holders and one for Golden Circle ticket holders.
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For successful ballot winners: Your accessible ticket automatically admits one disabled guest and includes one free companion ticket.
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For Golden Circle holders: Spaces on the platform are available which admits one person plus an accompanying carer.
Yes, please. Everyone entering the arena must have a valid ticket.
Yes, pushchairs are permitted inside the arena. Please note that there is no designated buggy park on-site, so you will need to keep your pushchair with you at all times.
Yes! Due to popular demand, we have brought back our Golden Circle tickets, which guarantees a spot right at the front for £12 (plus admin fee). If tickets are still available, this is your only way to secure a guaranteed place inside the arena.
As with previous years, we also warmly welcome guests without e-tickets to the resort to soak up the incredible atmosphere and experience the Illuminations up close.
Due to strict security measures, no backpacks, large bags, holdalls, or suitcases will be admitted into the venue. No outside food or drink is permitted inside the arena, though there are plentiful catering stalls available on-site. You will be refused entry if you attempt to bring prohibited items into the venue and all bags will be searched upon arrival.
Patrons with specific medical or accessibility requirements will be accommodated on an individual basis. We strongly encourage you to contact the venue in advance to ensure a smooth and easy entry. Please note there are no locker or storage facilities on-site for prohibited items.
The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Arena is located on the Tower Festival Headland, directly opposite The Blackpool Tower.
By Car: If you are travelling by car, we suggest aiming for the Central Car Park Multi-Storey. A map detailing all available car parks in Blackpool can be viewed here.
By Train: If you are arriving at Blackpool North station, the arena is a convenient ten-minute walk away. Simply head towards the Promenade and you will find the arena located just to the left of North Pier.
VisitBlackpool strictly prohibits the resale of ballot tickets. We advise guests with unwanted tickets to transfer them directly to trusted friends or family.
VisitBlackpool and Eventim are not responsible for tickets beyond the official ballot process. Anyone purchasing from resellers or unofficial channels does so at their own risk, and VisitBlackpool is not liable for any costs incurred if entry is refused.