BBC named as Blackpool Illuminations switch-on partner

BBC Radio Lancashire is to be the official partner of this year's Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event.

The station's breakfast presenter Graham Liver will be the host alongside daytime presenter Sharon Hartley.

More than one million bulbs are now used across the entire display, which first began in 1879 .

More details will be released in the coming months about the line-up for the big switch-on which takes place on 4 September.

Kate Shane of Blackpool Tourism Limited said this year's switch-on will be "extra special".

She added: "Linking up with the BBC is going to give us extra sparkle.

"We close the prom down and we get a lot of people into our arena and then we start the entertainment, a bit of local talent and then build up to the acts.

"And then that famous switch-on moment when the lever goes down, the fireworks go off and the promenade lights up from then until January."

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