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'Best ever' claim for switch-on
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| David Tennant with Dale Winton |
Blackpool's Illuminations switch-on has been hailed as the best ever by leading figures in the town.
Around 35,000 people packed the arena and surrounding streets as an array of stars helped launch the ten-week show of light.
Dr Who, actor David Tennant, flicked the switch to light-up the town, despite an attempt from a dalek to scupper the moment.
The resort's director of tourism Jane Seddon hailed a fantastic weekend: "It was a massive crowd and people came from all over the UK to enjoy the whole weekend. It was a great success."
The weekend's entertainment also included a parade of Honda Goldwing motorbikes and Russell Brand performing his Radio Two show live from an ice cream van on Saturday. The first heat of the World Fireworks Championship was held on Sunday.
Mayor of Blackpool, Coun Robert Wynne, said: "It was the best switch-on I've ever attended, it was well staged and the publicity was great. It should launch an excellent Illuminations season, and while other towns are quiet, we will be hitting our busiest period."
The 18,000-strong crowd squeezed into the arena on Friday night were treated to a free concert starring McFly, Natalie Imbruglia, Natasha Bedingfield, The Ghosts and Gareth Gates.
Council leader Peter Callow said: "I can't remember a more successful switch-on, it was a universal success.
"The team pulled out a great effort in securing David Tennant as an early switch-on star, and it was great to see the locals there, as this event is as much for them as it is for tourists."
Coun Callow also revealed plans to relocate the switch-on ceremony from the Central car park site to the headland opposite the Tower in two years.
He said: "We know that Central car park is not ideal for the switch-on, but we have to have it there at the moment for health and safety reasons.
"The plan to move it in two years time to the Tower headland will accommodate 20,000 people, and will allow people to see the lights when they come on as well."
12:21pm Wednesday 5th September 2007
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CommentPosted by: Christian, Blackpool, Lancashire on 2:44pm Wed 5 Sep 07
Other than the usual naff line-up for the performance. Gareth Gates and Mcfly are what most would call the best of contemporary music. It was a good show. Russell Brand and David Tennant made up for that and the Fireworks were spectacular.
Other than the usual naff line-up for the performance. Gareth Gates and Mcfly are what most would call the best of contemporary music. It was a good show. Russell Brand and David Tennant made up for that and the Fireworks were spectacular.
Posted by: Christian, Blackpool on 2:45pm Wed 5 Sep 07
Other than the usual naff line-up for the performance. Gareth Gates and Mcfly are NOT what most would call the best of contemporary music. It was a good show. Russell Brand and David Tennant made up for that and the Fireworks were spectacular. Apologies for the type error.
Other than the usual naff line-up for the performance. Gareth Gates and Mcfly are NOT what most would call the best of contemporary music. It was a good show. Russell Brand and David Tennant made up for that and the Fireworks were spectacular. Apologies for the type error.
Posted by: Jon, Poulton on 5:51pm Wed 5 Sep 07
Get over yourself. Gareth and McFly were really good and got a great reception. I was a bit annoyed the music side didn't get announced until the last minute, because I had to cancel some plans to go, but it was worth it.
Get over yourself. Gareth and McFly were really good and got a great reception. I was a bit annoyed the music side didn't get announced until the last minute, because I had to cancel some plans to go, but it was worth it.
Posted by: lucy, Bham on 8:52pm Wed 5 Sep 07
It certainly was the best switch on I have been to.
Thought the performances by all artists were good but favourites were Ghosts and Gareth Gates.
Well done team in securing David Tennant.
Dr.Who theme brill.
Look forwardto Tower headland in 2009, with an even bigger crowd.Great night.
Thanks.
It certainly was the best switch on I have been to.
Thought the performances by all artists were good but favourites were Ghosts and Gareth Gates.
Well done team in securing David Tennant.
Dr.Who theme brill.
Look forwardto Tower headland in 2009, with an even bigger crowd.Great night.
Thanks.
Posted by: Pauline, North London on 11:29pm Wed 5 Sep 07
I would have loved to have gone to see Gareth Gates but unfortunately the distance was too far. So had to make do with Listening online to his great performance instead.
I would have loved to have gone to see Gareth Gates but unfortunately the distance was too far. So had to make do with Listening online to his great performance instead.
Posted by: keith taylor, Kent on 11:44pm Wed 5 Sep 07
I heard the fabulous performance by Gareth Gates, and wished that I could have been there. His new music is absolutely amazing!
I heard the fabulous performance by Gareth Gates, and wished that I could have been there. His new music is absolutely amazing!
Posted by: Vonny, Manchester on 7:09am Thu 6 Sep 07
Great event. Loved the performances from Natalie, Gareth Gates and Ghosts. Gareth in particular.
Great event. Loved the performances from Natalie, Gareth Gates and Ghosts. Gareth in particular.
Posted by: JoJo, Blackpool on 5:33pm Thu 6 Sep 07
I loved the Switch On. I don't want to go to another because I simply want that as my only Switch On memory. It was so great. All performances were excellent, more so of David (:
I loved the Switch On. I don't want to go to another because I simply want that as my only Switch On memory. It was so great. All performances were excellent, more so of David (:
Posted by: alicia green, earby on 6:59pm Thu 6 Sep 07
Gorgeous Gareth Gates is a STAR. He sings like an angel, has charisma and sex appeal. He is truly the bees knees. I could eat him
Alice
Gorgeous Gareth Gates is a STAR. He sings like an angel, has charisma and sex appeal. He is truly the bees knees. I could eat him
Alice
Posted by: zena francis, burnley on 7:06pm Thu 6 Sep 07
Christian. Methinks you are just jealous. Most men can't forgive Gareth because he is tall, dark and handsome, sings like an angel and has an army of admiring femal fans. Get over it.
Zena
Christian. Methinks you are just jealous. Most men can't forgive Gareth because he is tall, dark and handsome, sings like an angel and has an army of admiring femal fans. Get over it.
Zena
Posted by: keith taylor, Kent on 9:09pm Thu 6 Sep 07
I listened to it online, and couldn't help but capture the excitement of it all, especially when Gareth Gates gave such an electric performance! He is the tops!
I listened to it online, and couldn't help but capture the excitement of it all, especially when Gareth Gates gave such an electric performance! He is the tops!
Posted by: Christian, Blackpool on 10:42pm Thu 6 Sep 07
I am not jealous of him, I actually don't have anything against the guy. I'm sure he is a nice enough guy. It is Mcfly that really get up my nose. All I was saying in my earlier comment was that I am sick of the usual load of manufactured pop and would like some more credible acts.
I am not jealous of him, I actually don't have anything against the guy. I'm sure he is a nice enough guy. It is Mcfly that really get up my nose. All I was saying in my earlier comment was that I am sick of the usual load of manufactured pop and would like some more credible acts.
Posted by: Chris, Blackpool on 11:30pm Mon 19 Nov 07
As i live in Blackpool i see the switch on every year.I am 16 and out of the 16 switch ons i have seen this one has to have been the best.
As i live in Blackpool i see the switch on every year.I am 16 and out of the 16 switch ons i have seen this one has to have been the best.
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