GMG confirm acts for Blackpool switch-on

TV funny man Keith Lemon is to turn on this year’s Blackpool Illuminations as part of a massive free show being organised by GMG Radio.

Ahead of the switch-on there’ll be a concert in the Lancashire town featuring performances from artists including Scouting for Girls, Beverley Knight, James Morrison, Pixie Lott, Olly Murs and Joe McElderry.

It’s understood that, like last year, the Real Radio and Smooth Radio stations around the UK will broadcast live from the event which GMG took over from BBC Radio 2 ahead of the 2010 show with Robbie Williams.

Also on the bill for Friday 2nd September are former Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes, X Factor ‘man band’ The Reason 4, Paul Carrack, Wonderland, The Overtones and Opera star Wynne Evans (the ‘Go Compare’ man!)

Keith Lemon – real name Leigh Francis and the man behind shows like Celebrity Juice and Bo Selecta – said: “I’ve dreamed of turning t’ Blackpool Lights on ever since I could reach the light switch in me mam’s front room. Me teacher at school said I was fick. I might be, but I know how to turn a light switch on and now that knowledge is gonna come in handy. Can’t wait to come to Blackpool and turn you all on! Oooosh! Sha-ting!”

Real Radio’s Dave Shearer, the man responsible for bringing the acts to The Blackpool Illuminations Switch On, said: “This year is an incredible line-up, we have a mix of top TV and music artists to entertain the people of Blackpool and the tens of thousands of visitors who’ll come along just for this fantastic annual event. We are very proud to be presenting a show of such outstanding acts. We hope everyone has the time of their lives!”

Last year’s event saw a record 20,000 turn out in the seaside resort to see Robbie Williams perform the switch-on. Listeners are able to apply for free tickets for this year’s event through the Real Radio and Smooth Radio websites, with registration due to close tomorrow lunchtime (Tuesday).