Thousands see Blackpool light up

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More than 25,000 people were in Blackpool to watch the switch-on of the resort's famous illuminations.

TV and radio star Dale Winton flicked the switch on Friday night to light up more than six miles of the promenade.

The ceremony included live performances from Peter Kay, The Zutons, Duncan James and Ronan Keating, and was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

Bolton comedian Peter Kay, who also performed at the show, had originally been tipped to turn on the lights.

A spokesman for the event said there had been some "confusion" over the line-up.

"There was some ambiguity about who was actually doing the switch-on," he said.

Isn't Blackpool fabulous? Dale Winton "It was always Dale Winton doing the switch-on with a special appearance by Peter Kay."

Before switching on the lights, Winton said: "Isn't Blackpool fabulous?

"I love it. I'm having a great evening."

He said the illuminations, which have been a regular attraction in the resort since 1879, were "the best in the world".

They shine non-stop for 66 nights every year.

Peter Kay took to the stage in front of Blackpool Tower to perform his famous "garlic bread" joke, recently voted best TV gag of all time.