Shows at Promenade

Blackpool's Illuminations season kicks off with a free open-air concert on the Tower Festival Headland, headlined in 2026 by Five, The Feeling and Lucy Spraggan. Arena places were allocated by free ticket ballot, and the night ends with Paddy McGuinness flicking the famous switch to light up six miles of Promenade.

Three countries compete across three autumn nights, firing displays choreographed to music from the beach in front of Blackpool Tower. Free to watch from the Central Promenade between North Pier and Central Pier. Firing times get earlier as the nights draw in: 8.15pm on 12 September, 7.45pm on 26 September and 7.30pm on 10 October, with build-up entertainment half an hour before each. Rain doesn't stop play — only high winds can postpone a display.

Category

Free, Family

The Tower Festival Headland becomes a free festive village with an outdoor ice rink, log-cabin market stalls, giant light installations and hourly 'snowfalls' beneath the Tower. Open daily from noon to 9pm throughout the season (closed Christmas Day).

A flat, fully traffic-free two-lap course along the seafront promenade — a favourite for PB chasers. Starts at 9am with water stations every three miles, chip timing and a finishers' medal, alongside a half-marathon on the same festival weekend.

Category

Sport

Run, jog or walk 10K along Blackpool's traffic-free promenade, starting at the Savoy Hotel and heading south past the Pleasure Beach before turning for home. Open to ages 11+ with a wheelchair category, and every entry supports Trinity Hospice's care services.

Category

Charity, Sport

More from Promenade

An evening 10K along the promenade in the shadow of Blackpool Tower, raising money for Cancer Research UK. The double-lap course is fast and flat, everyone gets a medal, and runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome.

Category

Charity, Sport

More from Promenade

A 9pm start for this 10K and 5K along Blackpool Promenade, passing the Tower and Pleasure Beach as the Illuminations come to life. Accurately measured, flat and fast courses suited to all abilities, with a medal for every finisher.

Category

Sport