The first illuminations were switched on in 1879

Around 20,000 people turned out to watch the ceremony at 9.25pm on Friday.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the illuminations which will see the six miles of Promenade lit up every night until 7 November.

The illuminations cost �2.4m to stage with more than a million lamps in the display. They are expected to attract more than 3.5m visitors to the resort.

Other entertainers at the event include Jimmy Osmond, Lemar and McFly.

The cast of Boogie Nights, which stars Osmond and is currently on at Blackpool's Grand Theatre, were set to perform.