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Blackpool Illuminations 2026: All you need to know

Blackpool is set to light up once again in spectacular colour for the annual illuminations – with the switch-on set for 4 September at the Tower Festival Headland.

The free event will be hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley. The illuminations run for six miles (9.65km) along the promenade and are on display until Sunday 3 January.

What’s new this year?
New attractions for 2026 include brightly lit neon sandcastles, a “creatures of the deep” display, a sky forest featuring LED cherry blossom trees and an immersive deep space display.

There will also be a display by performer Toyah Willcox telling a story of courage, resilience and self-discovery.

Also expect photo opportunities with attractions including an oversized seaside postcard and the chance to get a selfie with a giant teddy bear inside an illuminated car.

• Continue reading at BBC News. (Photo © Toyah)

Toyah, who has did pretty much everything through her 50-year career has come up with something completely innovative and different to anything that’s gone before during that career. She has designed a tableau for Blackpool illuminations. The stunning interactive display is titled “Wishing Star”.

Toyah said: “I am thrilled to be part of this year’s illuminations. As a child I visited Blackpool at Easter time and I was always enthralled by the Promenade and the sea. This memory is so strong, I wanted to create a display of light and story-telling that takes everyone back to their childhood selves, while enjoying the sea, the sky, the stars and the coast. My story is about a child and her guitar meeting new friends who make her stronger while flying over the sea.”

• Continue reading at toyahwillcox.com. See more photos at Toyah’s official Facebook. (Photo © Toyah)