More than 55,000 applications for free Blackpool iFest switch-on tickets

Around 55,000 people have entered the ballot to win 15,000 free tickets for the biggest night in Blackpool’s calendar, the VisitBlackpool’s 2015 Blackpool iFest Friday night Illuminations Switch-On.

Thanks to a stunning line-up featuring The Vamps, Lawson, Professor Green, Toploader, Becky Hill,  Little Boots and Only the Young and there are again a huge number of applications from all across the country.

Winners have been chosen at random and notified by email via the address through which they applied.

But even if you’re not one of the lucky ones to get your hands on a ticket for the best gig in Blackpool this year, you’re in luck.

People can still guarantee themselves a weekend ticket to one of the most star-studded gigs in the North West this year by becoming one of the first 5,000 people to buy a full weekend pass for just £30.

With two cracking shows set for Saturday and Sunday evening – that’s three nights of entertainment for the equivalent of just £10 per night – cheaper than you’ll get anywhere to see national and even world famous performers.

The special guest Switch-On star will be confirmed soon.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response with more than 55,000 applications for just 15,000 tickets.

“The response from local people as well as fans of the bands and artists taking part has been really positive.

“All winners will have been notified by the end of the week.

“Those who aren’t lucky in the ballot can still get to Switch-On and get themselves an amazing weekend of entertainment at a bargain price in the process.

“All you have to do is be one of the first 5,000 people to buy a weekend pass which gets you three nights entertainment for the equivalent of £10 per night which we believe is amazing value for money.”

The announcement comes as the further acts for the Friday night show is announced with a number of well-known names taking part.

Irish singing and television presenting duo Jedward, who shot to fame after competing in the 2009 series of the X Factor, will take to the stage.

Alexa Goddard, pop and R&B singer, has also been added to the line-up. She became an internet sensation with her You Tube channel receiving more than 11 million views.

Nicholas McDonald and Jack Walton will perform and are bound to prove popular while Britain’s Got Talent star Bailey McConnall will also be in action.

Girl band Tiger Heart, who performed at last year’s event, also return alongside Room 94 while 14-year-old Gabz, a singer, rapper, musician and songwriter who had a UK Top 10 hit with “Lighters (The One)”, completes the line-up.

The Friday night Switch-On kicks off an exciting weekend of events at the Blackpool Tower Festival Headland between Friday 4 and Sunday 6 September with something for everyone to enjoy.

The Saturday night of the Blackpool iFest weekend will feature a line-up of chart-topping pop stars in association with Sky’s Vintage TV channel.

The line-up includes Bananarama, Jason Donovan and Paul Young, and will be hosted by TV and radio star, Pat Sharp.

Then on Sunday, some of the coolest names in British comedy will take to the stage, with one of the most recognisable and successful comics in the UK, Al Murray – The Pub Landlord, hosting and headlining the show alongside the likes of Chris Ramsey, Alun Cochrane, Tiff Stevenson, Carl Hutchinson and Craig Campbell.

Tickets, priced at £15 for each of the Saturday and Sunday shows, and £30 for a weekend festival pass, are on sale now.

The first 5,000 people to buy a £30 weekend festival pass will guarantee themselves free entry to the big Friday night switch-on.