What’s On This Weekend

Scott Bamber gives you a round up of what’s on this weekend in Blackpool and across The Fylde Coast.

Blackpool Illumination Switch On

Friday 31st of August sees the start of the 2012 Illuminations, and of course the big Switch On event. Blackpool will this year be celebrating ‘100 Years of Light’ and the switch on is set to wow crowds. The lights will be turned on in the shadow of Blackpool Tower on the Festival Headland by no less than six medal winners from this years Great British Olympic team. Beth Tweddle, Greg Rutherford, Luke Campbell, Sophie Hosking, Max Whitlock and Steven Burke will together flick the switch on stage in front of the lucky ticket winners for the event. Those who didn’t get a ticket can see all the action on a large screen near Central Pier. As is usually the case for the first night of the lights, music plays a very big part in the celebrations and this year is no exception. Topping the bill will be X Factor winners Little Mix. The concert will also feature music from Paloma Faith, Noisettes, Scouting for Girls, Amy MacDonald and many more including Blackpools own Karima Francis. The switch on concert will also be streamed live through Smooth radio and Real radios websites.

Alfresco Cowbell Carnival

Sunday 2nd September will see Blackpool Cricket Club host Alfresco Cowbell Carnival, a family Funday put together by Alfresco Family Events and Cowbell Radio. Begining at 11am and finishing at 7pm, this charity event will provide a mix of family fun, kids attractions and music. Entertainment will be provided by Cowbell Dj’s playing a mixture of Reggae, Dub, Hip Hop and Funk to provide the ultimate carnival atmosphere. There will be an admission charge and all proceeds will go to the chosen charitable causes. Arrangements are also put in place for bad weather.

Heritage Festival

The Stanley Park Bandstand will be hosting Heritage Festival on Sunday 2nd September from 12 noon through to 6pm. This afternoon of live music will include Jessica Danbury, Andy Hawkins & Nat Howell, Marc Sunderland, Bethan Thomas, Neil Measures, The Uncanny Valley, Naomi’s Blood Diamonds and Rufus Hok.

Fylde Folk Festival

Now in its 40th year, the Fylde Folk Festival once again returns to Fleetwood from 31st August until 2nd September. Held in venues, pubs and outdoors spaces around the town it promises to be a unique celebration of Folk music, Song and Dance. Attracting over three thousand visitors over the weekend attending the planned shows, with The Marine Hall being the home of the main events. Pubs around Fleetwood will be hosting live music throught the Weekend, a full list can be found at www.fylde-folk-festival.com. Most events will run from around 8pm until Midnight. But don’t be suprised to hear Bands just getting together and playing wherever they are and at anytime of the day over the weekend.

Image courtesy of Linzi Casson Photography.