Cyclists to ‘Ride the lights’ at Blackpool 26 August

Ride the Lights is back on Blackpool Promenade on 26 August and is set to be as popular as ever.

The annual event, which sees the Promenade fully closed to vehicles for one night only between 7pm and 10pm to allow cyclists to get a sneak preview of the Blackpool Illuminations, remains free, fun and open to everyone.

There will be a host of musical entertainment on the Rock FM stage hosted by Danny Bee which will be located on the Tower Festival Headland along with exhibitors and workshops.

LeftCoast, meanwhile, will be running a best dressed bike competition so why not spruce up your bike and take part and there’s a prize on offer for the winner.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach will have their costume characters meeting and greeting all the cyclists as they ride past the Pleasure Beach along Ocean Boulevard.

And there will also be a tribute to Steve Weaver, the former Chief Executive of Blackpool Council who died earlier this year, who came up with the concept of Ride the Lights.

MediaQ Ltd, operators of the North Pier and Pyramid screens, have kindly agreed to post a tribute to Mr Weaver on the screens during the event.

The route runs from Starr Gate, South Shore all the way through to Red Bank Road, Bispham with riders able to go in either direction but riders can cycle as much or as little of the course as they choose.

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “Ride the Lights is always an incredibly popular event and is now a firm fixture on Blackpool’s calendar.

“I’m expecting thousands of people throughout the evening and I know they won’t be disappointed by the Illuminations display.

“It will be a great night of cycling, fun and entertainment.”

In order to keep safe, there are a few things to remember:

• All bikes should have safety lights
• Riders are advised to wear cycle helmets.
• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• The tramway will be operational throughout the ride
• Marshalls and first aiders will be on hand along the route.
• Support  vehicles will be on hand to assist with bike breakdowns.
• The road will re-open to traffic at 10pm so try to plan your ride to reach your destination by 10pm and be aware of traffic after this time.

Ride the Lights is the latest in a series of events designed to light up Blackpool’s summer.

VisitBlackpool has already organised Blackpool Armed Forces Week and Blackpool Air Show and there’s still a lot to look forward to:

• Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Festival Weekend – 29/30/31 August – marks the start of the resort’s annual Illuminations season with a weekend of spectacular music and performance from artists like Little Mix, Pixie Lott, Union J, Texas, Rebecca Ferguson and the cast of hit musicals like Thriller Live and Dirty Dancing. Britain’s most popular comedian, Peter Kay, is this year’s Switch-On star.
• Blackpool Illuminations – 29 August for 10 weeks – Britain’s most spectacular light show returns to Blackpool Promenade for another year.
• The World Fireworks Championships – 5/12/19/26 September – Blackpool plays host to the best fireworks display teams in the world with the competitors planning more dramatic and spectacular displays than ever before to wow the crowds. All shows are completely free.

Tickets remain available for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Festival Weekend with limited availability for those buying a weekend ticket to secure a free wristband for the Friday concert.

For more information, go to 

www.visitblackpool.com/ridethelights or www.visitblackpool.com/switchon