Blackpool’s heart really did skip a beat as pop singer Olly Murs pulled the famous switch to launch the 2025 Illuminations season.

The free Switch-On event once again cemented its reputation as one of the highlights of the UK’s entertainment calendar with free ticket holders packing the Tower Festival Headland arena and thousands more watching from the promenade’s live screening zone near Central Pier.

The 24,000-strong crowd were all successful entrants from a highly competitive ballot which received over 150,000 ticket requests.

Olly entertained fans of all ages performing a 70-minute set, featuring many of his best-loved hits before flicking the switch to trigger the world-famous light show.

As a million lights lit up the six-mile display, a burst of fireworks exploded above The Blackpool Tower, accompanied by a light show remixed to one of Olly’s top hits, Troublemakerfeaturing Flo Rida.

Moments before pulling the switch, Olly told the audience: “When I got the call, I looked at the list of all the people that have been here before and it’s a real honour.

“From me, from Essex, this is a real part of British culture, it’s an honour to be in Blackpool tonight, it’s such a great place. I love the seaside, I love you guys!

“To see all the thousands of people who have come down to see me, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone in Blackpool.”

Olly is now the 82nd luminary to trip the lights fantastic, joining a prestigious line-up of stars who have had the honour of switching on the Illuminations, including Ken Dodd, Tim Burton, Robbie Williams and Shirley Ballas.

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “We are thrilled to be sponsoring this year’s Switch-On event, bringing Olly’s headline show to the Golden Mile for this spectacular event that celebrates the start of the 2025 Illuminations. A free event for all the family with one of the UK’s most popular performers lighting up the Promenade.

“Bringing in performers of such a high calibre enables us to build on our reputation of offering unique and memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year, helping Blackpool to retain and build on its position as the UK’s number one seaside resort.

“The Switch-On event is just the start, and we’re looking forward to welcoming millions of guests to the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations right the way through to 4 January!”

For more information on Blackpool’s free events programme and the Illuminations, head to visitblackpool.com.