Olly Murs to switch on Blackpool Illuminations

Olly Murs said he was "buzzing" to be switching on the Illuminations

Singer Olly Murs is to switch on this year's Blackpool Illuminations.

Murs, 41, said he was "buzzing" to be the headline performer for the Illuminations Switch-On event on the evening of Friday 29 August.

He will also be joined by X-Factor winner Louisa Johnson for the free show where people enter a ballot for the 24,000 tickets for the event on the promenade near Blackpool Tower.

Murs will follow in the footsteps of a Canberra Bomber, the Grand National-winning racehorse Red Rum, and muppet Kermit The Frog.

"I haven't performed there since 2011, so it's about time. It'll be an incredible night," Murs said.

Council leader Lynne Williams added: "The Switch-On event is one of the highlights of Blackpool's calendar, it's an event of celebration for our residents and brings together our local community and visitors from far and wide."

The illuminations run until 4 January

Last year's Illuminations were switched by Spice Girl Mel B.

The Illuminations started in 1879 with eight carbon arc lamps, but grew into six miles (9.5km) of immersive light and art displays, "blending tradition and modern technology".

Switch-on ceremonies date back to 1934, when the 17th Earl of Derby did the honours.

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