Blackpool Illuminations: Sophie Ellis-Bextor to headline switch-on

Ellis-Bextor performed on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage this year

Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform at this year's Blackpool Illuminations switch-on concert, organisers have announced.

The multi-platinum selling singer, known for her chart hits Murder On the Dancefloor and Take Me Home, will headline the Tower Festival Headland on 1 September.

Ellis-Bextor said she would perform some of her favourite tracks.

This year's display will run until 1 January 2024.

The seaside spectacle has been extended again to give a boost to pandemic-hit tourism businesses.

Ellis-Bextor said: "I'm so excited to be coming back to Blackpool to perform a few of my favourite tracks. I can't wait to see you all there."

The illuminations are more than a century old, with the first switch-on ceremony held in 1934

The illuminations will shine for an extra two months again

Council leader Lynn Williams said she was "thrilled" to make the announcement.

"Sophie is a pop phenomenon with a fabulous recording career and someone who captured the hearts of the public during lockdown. We can't wait to see her light up Blackpool," she said.

The switch-on event is part of a programme of free entertainment which will start with a float parade.

The whole night, which is due to begin around 19:00 BST, will be free to access.

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