Blackpool Illuminations switched on by Olly Murs

Thousands of spectators were treated to a colourful display at the switch-on event

More than 20,000 people gathered in Blackpool to watch Olly Murs switch on this year's Illuminations.

The 41-year-old singer said it was "an honour" to be invited, telling BBC Radio Lancashire he loved coming to the seaside resort and had enjoyed performing at previous ceremonies.

With an hour-long set, he appeared alongside rock band Toploader and X-Factor winner Louise Johnson, before pressing the button at 21:15 BST to turn on the lights.

Blackpool Illuminations, which began in 1879 with eight carbon arc lamps, cover six miles (9.5km) of the Promenade and run until 4 January.

Olly Murs on stage at the Blackpool Illuminations switch on

Murs previously performed at the event back in 2010 - when Robbie Williams did the switch-on - as well as in 2011.

"When me and Robbie were on tour we went on all the rides there," he said.

This year's concert also featured performances from Upbeat Rock Academy.

Toploader singer Joe Washburn told BBC North West Tonight the Illuminations were "a real national institution so to be part of it is a real thrill for us".

This year's light show features "fire-breathing dragons" moving along the prom.

The creatures, known as 'The Guardians of the North' were designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

The free switch-on event held at Blackpool's Tower Festival Headland was ticketed, with 24,000 balloted tickets handed out.

The evening's entertainment could also be seen on live screens positioned on the Promenade.

This year the lights will shine until 4 January 2026

Organisers of the immersive light and art displays said they blended tradition with modern technology.

Switch-on ceremonies have taken place since 1934, when the 17th Earl of Derby did the honours.

Among those who have switched them on in the past are the US and Soviet ambassadors, who did so jointly in the 1950s, along with gothic horror director Tim Burton in 2015 and "Coronavirus heroes" from the NHS in 2020.