Blackpool gears up for return of Ride the Lights

Photo credit Martin Bostock

The free event, which takes place on Tuesday 31 August between 7pm and 10pm, is one of the most magical nights in the Blackpool’s calendar.

For one night only, the six miles of Promenade will be closed to give thousands of cyclists an opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Illuminations before the official switch-on three days later.

Bikes of all shapes and sizes can take advantage of the traffic-free route in a free event that is suitable for all ages. Cyclists are welcome to decorate their bikes with colourful lights and lanterns to add to the atmosphere!

This year, Blackpool Airport is hosting a park and ride scheme where people will be able to park their cars for a £2 fee and then cycle to the start of the Illuminations a short distance away at Starr Gate.

In order to keep everyone safe, here is a handy guide:

• All bikes must have a minimum of one white light at the front and one red light at the back.

• It is highly recommended that all participants wear a cycle helmet.

• A responsible adult must accompany all children.

• Please be aware that the tramway will be operational throughout the ride, take special care in the area around North Pier/Metropole Hotel and do not venture on to the tram tracks

• Marshalls and First Aiders will be on hand along the route.

• Bike doctors and support vehicles will be on hand to look after breakdowns.

• The road will re-open to traffic at 10pm. Please try to plan your ride to reach your destination by this time, and be aware of any traffic after this time.

COVID Safety Measures

To help us create a safe and enjoyable event for everyone, participants are asked to take note of the following COVID-19 precautions.

When you arrive:

• As an outdoor event, this is a low risk environment and you are not required to show proof of vaccine or negative test on entry. It is recommended, however, that you take a rapid lateral flow test 24 hours prior to attending. These are available from local chemists or direct to your home by post.

• Face masks will not be mandatory although you may wish to use them in busy areas.

• Please do not come to the event if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been told to isolate

During the event:

• If you start experiencing any symptoms during the event and are unable to return immediately home please see our onsite first aiders

• Be mindful of other riders’ personal space

• Be aware of the movements of others around you and recognise where you may need to safely manoeuvre away

• Take note of any signage which is in place

• Toilets will be located on the Tower Festival Headland and you are asked to wash your hands after and use the sanitiser dispensers

The Illuminations will be officially switched on three days later by Shirley Ballas, head judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing at the end of a special concert in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The concert can be watched on a live stream starting at 8pm on September 3 on the visitblackpool.com website.

VisitBlackpool has already announced that this year’s Illuminations season will be extended by two months, running through to January 3, 2022. 

Over that four-month period there will be a huge range of events and attractions to enjoy including World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST and the fortnight-long Lightpool Festival.

From November onwards, there will be a brand new Christmas In Blackpool programme starting with the FriendsFestive exhibition in the Winter Gardens and continuing with a giant yuletide market and a seafront Christmas village incorporating ice rink, snowfalls and dazzling projection shows.

Check out the visitblackpool.com website for start times and more details of Ride The Lights and World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, and more information on the full September to December events programme.