Blackpool’s free Switch-On Watch Party: 4 September

The big screen inside Blackpool Tower Ballroom will carry the Illuminations Switch-On concert live on Friday 4 September 2026, giving residents and visitors another way to experience the resort’s annual lighting moment.

The first Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Watch Party is free, with tickets offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is aimed particularly at people who missed out on the ballot for the main arena, although the event is open to the general public. Visit Lancashire’s announcement confirms the date, venue and booking arrangements.

Free tickets are separate from the arena ballot

The Watch Party is being staged because demand for the main Switch-On event exceeded the available arena places. A total of 20,000 tickets were allocated through a ballot for the concert on the Tower Festival Headland.

People without an arena ticket can instead watch the full live broadcast from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom on the Promenade. Blackpool Tourism Limited says the dedicated event will enable hundreds more people to take part in Switch-On night from the heart of the resort.

Watch Party admission costs nothing, but a ticket is still required. Places are available through the official VisitBlackpool Switch-On booking page and will be allocated in the order they are claimed rather than through another ballot.

Lucy Spraggan, The Feeling and Five lead the concert

BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Graham Liver and Sharon Hartley will host the 2026 Switch-On concert. The programme includes singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan, rock band The Feeling and a headline performance from British pop group Five.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness is due to take the stage for the moment the Illuminations are switched on. Ballroom ticket holders will see that ceremony as part of the same live broadcast carrying the concert from the outdoor arena.

What the Tower Ballroom event includes

This is the first dedicated Watch Party in the history of the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On. Rather than providing entry to the Festival Headland arena, the ticket admits its holder to a live screening inside the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

The format covers both the musical performances and the switch-on itself, when Blackpool’s Illuminations burst into life. It offers an indoor alternative for residents and visitors who want to share the atmosphere without a place in the main arena.

Check the official booking page before attending

The event announcement does not provide a start time, transport guidance or accessibility information. Anyone considering a visit should check the official VisitBlackpool Switch-On booking page for ticket availability and any further practical details published before Friday 4 September.

Tickets are free, but capacity is limited to the places available inside the ballroom and allocation is strictly first come, first served.

Source: Visit Lancashire Blog