LIVE: Blackpool Illuminations 2023 Switch On - excitement builds as Sophie Ellis-Bextor set to play

Blackpool Illuminations will be switched on for 2023 tonight (September 1) as pop powerhouse Sophie Ellis-Bextor is set to perform.

The annual four-month-long attraction is likely to bring in thousands of visitors to the town over the winter. Tonight's festivities are thought to begin at roughly 7pm.

The illuminations will then be switched on shortly after 9pm by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, best known for her 2001 hit 'Murder on the Dancefloor'. Already, excitement is building Blackpool.

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Car parks are already said to be filling up from mid-afternoon, and long queues have been spotted for eateries.

The family-friendly extravaganza will start at around 7pm, with the Nickelodeon Grand Parade from 7.30pm, which will see a procession of favourite TV characters along the Golden Mile. They will make their way from Central Pier to the Tower Festival Headland for a free family party.

This is a live event, please check below for the latest updates.

7pm - Switch-on event starts

7.30pm - Nickelodeon Grand Parade starts

8pm - Family party at Tower Festival Headland in full swing

8.30pm - Sophie Ellis-Bextor performs

9.15pm - Illuminations switched on followed by fireworks

It's a big day in Blackpool, and excitement is building in the town for the switch-on. We'll have all the best photos, video, reaction, and reporting from our sister site Lancs Live over the next few hours.

Updates will start shortly.