Blackpool Lights go out: Illuminations will switch off at midnight on Wednesday

Visitors will still be welcome to come and enjoy 2020's display until midnight on Wednesday.

Illuminations bosses said it was 'with regret' that the world's biggest light festival would be suspended until further notice due to the national lockdown restrictions.

The Blackpool Tower, which has become a symbol of hope and optimism throughout the pandemic, will remain lit.

A spokesperson added: "Subject to lockdown restrictions being eased sufficiently at the start of December, the Illuminations will be switched on again and run through Christmas and New Year to January 3, 2021."

Coun Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for tourism and culture, said: “It is hugely disappointing to have to turn off the Illuminations but given the restrictions due to come in place on Thursday there is no real alternative.

"The primary purpose of the national lockdown is to get infection rates down and we cannot be seen to do anything that jeopardises that objective.

“It was always our intention to extend the lights season into the New Year and if there is any way in which we can switch the lights back on during December in a safe and secure way we will endeavour to do so.”