Get on your bike and Ride The Lights! An exciting preview of Blackpool Illuminations is officially taking place on 29 August 2023
The Ride The Lights event is one of the most magical nights in Blackpool’s calendar when, for one night only, the six miles of Promenade will be closed to give thousands of cyclists an opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Illuminations before the official switch-on later that week. Ride at any point along the promenade from Starr Gate at South Shore to Red Bank Road in Bispham. You can ride as much or as little of the route as you are able.
Why not join in the creative fun by designing your very own Illuminations display on your bike? Decorate your ride with colourful lights, lamps and lanterns to show off your illuminations design ideas. Light your ride... then ride the lights!
Active Blackpool will once again be joining us on the Tower Festival Headland where they will demonstrate balance bikes and adapted cycles. They will also be providing cycle repair and information stalls on local bike initiatives.
Times: 7pm-10pm
Ride The Lights is not a bike race, it's a fun and FREE bike ride open to all. A great opportunity to get out and about on your bike with both family and friends.
In order to keep everyone safe, there are a few things to remember:
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All bikes must have a minimum of one white light at the front and one red light at the back.
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It is highly recommended that all participants should wear a cycle helmet.
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A responsible adult must accompany all children.
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Please be aware that the tramway will be operational throughout the ride, take special care in the area around North Pier/Metropole Hotel
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Marshalls and First Aiders will be on hand along the route.
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Bike Doctors and support vehicles will be on hand to look after breakdowns.
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The road will re-open to traffic at 10pm. Please try to plan your ride to reach your destination by this time, and be aware of traffic after this time.
Ride The Lights is one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events in Blackpool's calendar. Therefore, car parks can reach capacity by early evening. Please find a list of car parks here.
To help alleviate congestion in the town centre, the P2 car park at Blackpool Airport will be used as an overspill area at a cost of £5 per vehicle via PayByPhone, open from 16:00 – 23:00.
There will be no park and ride service so people using the car park will have to make their own way to the nearest bus stops on Squires Gate Lane or Squires Gate tram stop, approximately a 10 minute walk from the car park.
Sat Nav: Squires Gate Ln, Blackpool FY4 2QY
You have the flexibility to ride the route as per your convenience, starting from Starr Gate in South Shore and ending at Red Bank Road in Bispham. Whether you're up for the whole length of the promenade or just a section of it, the choice is entirely yours.
Yes, of course you can. Although the free event is tailored for those with bikes, you are more than welcome to walk the lights instead with a chippy tea in hand.
Ride The Lights is a free event. Just turn up and ride!
Ready to Ride the Lights!
Christmas Has Come Early!
Bringing Some Colour to Proceedings
All the Gear and the Right Idea!
She's all bundled up and ready to go!
Another Happy Face Enjoying the Lights
A Different Way to Travel
Classy Addition to the Event!
We're So Impressed with all the Effort!
Gold Mine Carriage Twinkling at Dusk
Previewing Classic Features in the Lights
Choo-choo! It's the illuminated train tram!
Crowds of Cyclists Enjoying the Twinkling Lights
Cyclist passing the tableaux
Safety Note: Please be aware that tramway will be operational, so please ensure you stay a safe distance from the tramway.
Please note that there will be live filming and photography at this event. Any pictures provided maybe used by VisitBlackpool for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be included, please contact VisitBlackpool Web Team