GMG Radio kicks BBC Radio 2 out of Blackpool for switch on
Most Brits of a certain age have at one time or another visited Blackpool to see the world famous Illuminations. Now Smooth Radio and Real Radio have stolen the show from the BBC.
Radio 2 has hosted and broadcast the switch on ceremony for the last 13 years, which attracts around 15,000 to the venue on the night. The switch on event will now be broadcast live by Smooth and Real from a specially built arena in the heart of the UK's most famous holiday resort.
The Smooth Radio and Real Radio network will continue the tradition of presenting top artistes from the world of music and show business taking part in the show prior to the spectacular switch on count down. The whole event will be MC'ed across the day by Smooth Radio and Real Radio's top presenters while being broadcast live across the country.
Names of the bands and the person, or persons, who will throw the most important switch in Britain, will be announced shortly. Previous switch on names include Doctor Who's David Tennant, The Top Gear Team and last year Alan Carr.
Andy Carter MD of GMG Radio North West said: "We're really excited to be bringing live coverage of the famous Blackpool Illuminations switch-on for the first time on commercial radio across the UK. We'll be working very hard to ensure we secure a top class line-up both on air and in Blackpool."
Natalie Wyatt Head of visitBlackpool said: "We're delighted that GMG Radio through their Real Radio and Smooth Radio network of stations have accepted our invitation to be our media partner for the '2010 Blackpool Illuminations Switch On Ceremony.' We look forward to welcoming their listeners from all over the UK to our resort during the Switch On Weekend and am sure everyone will have a fantastic time"
The 'Lights' will shine non-stop for 66 nights from Friday 3 September to Sunday 7 November 2010.