Will Blackpool Illuminations be cancelled today? Date when lights will be turned on again after Queen’s death

The famous lights of Blackpool will be turned on for the first time since the death of the Queen.

Buckingham Palace announced that Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle on Thursday (9 September) afternoon.

The country will enter a period of mourning until the Queen’s funeral later in September - which will be a new bank holiday.

Vistors and residents alike will be able to take in the Blackpool Illuminations in the coming months.

The attraction was given the big switch on by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, celebrity designer, on Friday (2 September) night.

If you are thinking of visiting, here is all you need to know:

Will the Blackpool Illuminations be turned on tonight?

The famous attraction were not switched on for Thursday and Friday.

Visit Blackpool tweeted on Thursday: “We are deeply saddened to learn Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.

“Her Majesty stood for many of the great things about this country, casting an image of strength, humility and kindness.

“As a mark of respect the Illuminations will not be switched on this evening.”

The lights will be switched off again on Friday (9 September) and the start of the World Fireworks Championship will be postponed.

Visit Blackpool explained: “As a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the first round of the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool has been rescheduled.

“The Blackpool Illuminations display will not be lit tonight but will resume in full tomorrow. “

When will the illuminations be turned on again?

The Blackpool Illuminations will be switched on once again from Saturday (10 September).

When were the Blackpool Illuminations officially switched on?

The lights were switched on in an event on Friday 2 September.

Among the perfomers who were involved in the big switch on was:

At the end of the live concert featuring the above artist, TV star and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen pulled the famous switch to turn the Blackpool Illuminations on.

What time are the illuminations switched on at night?

The switch on times for the Blackpool Illuminations changes daily.

On 10 September the Blackpool Illuminations are switched on at 8pm and will be turned on until 12am.

For the first half of September the lights will be turned on at 8pm every night and turned off between 12am and 10.30pm.

From 16 September, the lights will be switched on at 7.45pm.

The switch on will move earlier from 23 September to 7.30pm and the display will be turned on at 7.15pm from 30 September.

You can find the exact switch on and turn off times for the illuminations on Visit Blackpool’s website here.

How long are the illuminations on for?

The illuminations will be on display for four months, giving you plenty of time to see them if you so wish.

From the switch on, which takes place on 2 September, they will be turned on until the 2 January 2023.

Meaning you have all of September, October, November and December to see them.

Where are the illuminations?

Blackpool Illuminations are in Blackpool, Lancashire.

If you are looking for where the display starts it begins at Starr Gate (Squires Gate) and ends at Red Bank Road in Bispham.

The postcode for Starr Gate is FY4 1SY.

What is the best way to see the illuminations?

It is advised that you should see the Blackpool Illuminations on foot is possible, it will help you avoid the traffic and queues.

If you do go by foot, it is advised that you can park up and walk along Blackpool promonade, taking your time so you don’t miss anything.

You can also drive through the Blackpool Illuminations.

Visit Blackpool says: “You can drive through Blackpool Illuminations and we recommend doing so! However, there are other ways to see the display, for example, on foot or by tram.

“It all depends on the night you visit as weekends are busier compared to throughout the week.

“Wherever possible, we encourage you to park up and see part of the display on foot, especially as the new Illuminations for 2022 are best viewed up close and personal.”

Do you need tickets to go to Blackpool Illuminations?

No, the event is free.

Visit Blackpool says: “Blackpool Illuminations is the greatest free light show on Earth! We do, however, rely on generous public and business donations to maintain our fantastic light display.

“When visiting the Lights, you will have chance to donate some of your spare change at our collection huts either end of the Promenade. This can either be by cash or contactless.”