Skip to content

Blackpool Illuminations: Sophie Ellis-Bextor to headline switch-on

News imageEPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Sophie Ellis-BextorEPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Ellis-Bextor performed on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage this year

Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform at this year's Blackpool Illuminations switch-on concert, organisers have announced.

The multi-platinum selling singer, known for her chart hits Murder On the Dancefloor and Take Me Home, will headline the Tower Festival Headland on 1 September.

Ellis-Bextor said she would perform some of her favourite tracks.

This year's display will run until 1 January 2024.

The seaside spectacle has been extended again to give a boost to pandemic-hit tourism businesses.

Ellis-Bextor said: "I'm so excited to be coming back to Blackpool to perform a few of my favourite tracks. I can't wait to see you all there."

News imageVisit Blackpool Illuminated train tramVisit Blackpool
The illuminations are more than a century old, with the first switch-on ceremony held in 1934
News imageVisit Blackpool Blackpool's Golden MileVisit Blackpool
The illuminations will shine for an extra two months again

Council leader Lynn Williams said she was "thrilled" to make the announcement.

"Sophie is a pop phenomenon with a fabulous recording career and someone who captured the hearts of the public during lockdown. We can't wait to see her light up Blackpool," she said.

The switch-on event is part of a programme of free entertainment which will start with a float parade.

The whole night, which is due to begin around 19:00 BST, will be free to access.

News imagePresentational grey line

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk