Blackpoolcam – Digital Pictures

The greatest free light show on earth will this year be launched by one of the most watched programmes on the BBC. Top Gear are taking an extended pit stop in Blackpool this August to turn on the world famous Blackpool Illuminations.

The Top Gear team will be joined by a host of big names in a free Radio 2 concert to be broadcast live.

Whats New for 2008

As the summer season draws to a close, Blackpool looks forward to long autumn nights bathed in light and colour.

Blackpool Illuminations are considered to be the greatest free light show on earth, which entertains millions of visitors each year and brings glowing warmth to even the coldest October evening.

This years Illuminations are bigger and better than ever, with a whole host of new features including:

• LocalHeads – 288 people from across the UK will feature in this colourful portrait-based installation
• The Victorians – An impeccable pair of characters from yesteryear parade the promenade in their gloriously illuminated Victorian dress.
• Lolly Dolly and Mr Delightful - A reworked 1970s Ice Cream Van, bejeweled in thousands of lights
• Lumicycles – showing their illuminated pedal power as they cycle their way through the Lights.
• Plus much much more

Enjoy a sneak preview of Blackpool’s World Famous Illuminations on a traffic free Promenade.

‘Ride the Lights’ is a free event, and open to everyone. Ride for fun or ride for charity, its up to you!

Between 8pm and 10pm, get on your bike to ride a section of the ‘Lights’ between Starr Gate and Red Bank Road

You are welcome to start the ride at any point along the Promenade, and ride as much or as little of the route as you are able