'Corona heroes' to switch on illuminations

Nurses, fundraisers and a therapy dog will all be part of Blackpool's iconic Illuminations switch-on ceremony as the resort celebrates 'corona heroes'.

Usually a popular draw with tourists, this year's event will take place at a closed set within the Tower Ballroom and will be beamed around the world by MTV.

Celebrities including Spice Girl Mel C, pop star Becky Hill and dance act Diversity will provide the entertainment while the region's corona heroes will pull the all-important switch.

This year's lights will also include a tribute to those who have helped the most throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with a roll of honour of more than 50 individuals celebrated along the Golden Mile.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who helped select the winning nominations for the Corona Heroes section in the Illuminations said: "We have all been truly humbled by the volume and nature of the nominations that we received.

"Every single nomination has illustrated the dedication and self-sacrifice that has been made by so many individuals during this pandemic, whether they be NHS staff, care workers, delivery drivers, fund-raisers or others who have put their own lives on hold to support the sick and the vulnerable."

Coun Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for tourism and culture for Blackpool Council, added: “Those that have been invited to perform the actual switch on will be there to represent the hundreds of thousands of people who have done so much to protect and support the British people.

"This is an extraordinary year with our traditional celebration on the Tower Festival Headland becoming a virtual event, but we are delighted that the switch-on moment will be a tribute to the truly remarkable people who have led our nation’s response to coronavirus.”

It has already been announced that the Illuminations will be extended by two months, starting on September 4 and ending on Sunday 3 January, 2021. It will be the first time the Illuminations have shone over Christmas and New Year.

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