Safety barriers installed ahead of Illuminations

The gates will be removed the first week of September, the council said

Measures to protect the large crowds expected for the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on have been put in place on the Promenade.

Last year a record crowd of 80,000 people attended the free event to see singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor turn on the famous lights.

With similar numbers expected for this year’s event on 30 August, when Mel B from the Spice Girls will do the honours, the council has installed the additional temporary barriers.

These are in addition to barriers already in place on the Tower Festival Headland.

Mel B from the Spice Girls will flick the famous switch on 30 August

New national Protect Duty legislation, also known as Martyn's Law, requires steps to be taken to reduce the risk – including from possible terrorist attacks – at all publicly accessible events and venues.

A Blackpool Council spokesman said the barriers were "part of a national strategy to provide an extra level of safety and public protection at events".

“Last week, additional gates were temporarily installed on the Promenade between Talbot Square and Bonny Street.

"These will remain open until Friday, August 30 when they will be closed to enable people to enjoy the switch-on concert in a traffic-free environment.

"The gates will be removed the first week of September.”

The free switch-on ceremony will take place on the Tower Festival Headland and includes a concert headlined by singer-songwriter Ella Henderson.

Blackpool Illuminations will shine until 5 January 2025.