Blackpool Illuminations 2020: Switch-On bosses reveal first ever virtual event attracts audience of 225,000 people

It promised to be big, bright, catchy, capturing the importance and the traditions of the iconic and historic Switch On event to be shared to the world.
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And today bosses of Blackpool Illumination 'Bring on the Light' event paid off announcing more than 225,000 people from across the globe tuned in to watch the Lights turned on for 2020.

The first virtual switch-on of Blackpool Illuminations , saw a streamed broadcast of the annual concert with Spice Girl Melanie C, attracting audiences from as far as Australia, Brazil, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Cyprus and United States.

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In a first for the Lights, which were first turned on in the resort in 1879, the freely-accessible show, which culminated in seven of the UK’s Corona Heroes switching on the Lights, saw the biggest ever audience for a Switch-On event.

Organisers have labelled the success of the event 'a very special moment in Blackpool Illuminations history.'

At one point, the show was trending at number six in YouTube’s top ten videos. Around 86,000 people watched the stream on the YouTube channel, a further 141,000 tuned in on social media via MTV International's Facebook page.

The success of the event is a huge coup for the resort and it is hoped by bosses, the global interest in the Lights will be backed by visitor numbers in the coming months.

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MTV bosses have said they will now be exploring options on how they can build on the event for 2021.

Blackpool Illuminations Switch On moment with Corona heroes in the resort's Empress Ballroom.Blackpool Illuminations Switch On moment with Corona heroes in the resort's Empress Ballroom.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On moment with Corona heroes in the resort's Empress Ballroom.

Coun Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for tourism and culture for Blackpool Council, said the viewing figures were 'extraordinary.'

She added: “Given that many of those views were families and groups of people watching the show together, the overall number of people who have watched the Switch-On moment is huge.

"There is no doubt that the virtual show and the Switch-On by some of the UK’s brave Corona Heroes has captured the public’s imagination on a grand scale.”

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Virginia Monaghan, vice president, events and experiences, ViacomCBS Networks International added: “We are delighted that MTV was able to deliver the first ever virtual Switch-On of the Blackpool Illuminations.

The Blackpool Illuminations will now be shining in the resort until January 3.The Blackpool Illuminations will now be shining in the resort until January 3.
The Blackpool Illuminations will now be shining in the resort until January 3.

“It has been a hugely successful collaboration with VisitBlackpool and the number of views around the world over the 24-hours that the streamed event was accessible has been quite astonishing. Our team are proud to have been part of such a memorable moment in Blackpool Illuminations history and we look forward to exploring how we can build on this next year.”

Due to coronavirus restrictions, this year’s outdoor concert was cancelled. Instead, it was replaced by the virtual event, produced by MTV, with a mixture of live performance in Blackpool’s Empress Ballroom, and a series of “at home” performances featuring Melanie C, Becky Hill, Fleur East, Tom Grennan, Joel Corry, as well an exclusive routine by Diversity.

Blackpool-born singer-songwriter Rae Morris performed two live songs in the ballroom, where she was joined by hosts Jordan and Perri, Blackpool Illuminations creative curator, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and the seven Switch-On stars.

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It has already been announced that the Illuminations will be extended by two months, starting on September 4 and ending on Sunday 3 January, 2021. It will be the first time the Illuminations have shone over Christmas and New Year.

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