Blackpool’s annual Ride the Lights event is a car-free preview of the fabulous Blackpool Illuminations. And it’s BACK in 2026!
You can Ride the Lights on Tuesday 1 September 2026
Enjoy the Lights and promenade from Starr Gate to Bispham – while it’s closed to traffic for one night only. Come along on your push bike or on foot for an evening of fun in the Lights! It’s the Tuesday evening before the big Switch On.
Literally tens of thousands of people turn up, dressed in all kinds of trimmings, lights, costumes and fancy dress (or maybe not!) for an evening of great family fun on the sea front. Bikes of all shapes and sizes can take advantage of the seafront route in a free family event that is suitable for all ages.
With the Promenade closed to traffic from 6.30pm until 10.30pm, Ride the Lights event starts at 7pm and finishes at 10pm. You can participate at any time during that period – join the event at either the Starr Gate or Red Bank Road gateways to the promenade.
Ride the Lights – this years Illuminations Preview!
You’ll get a first look at some of the new Illuminations in this year’s display. Here’s a video of what you can expect!
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In 2021, the ‘Tea Boys’ from Brew at 2 went along and made their first ever video!
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Road Closures for Ride the Lights
Officials close the Promenade throughout the full length of the Illuminations, usually between 6pm and 10pm on the night.
Yellow signs and cones appear from tea time, with traffic diverted off the Promenade between Red Bank Road at Bispham and Squires Gate Lane at Blackpool South Shore.
If you’re travelling north to south that day it’s best to use the back roads. Traffic is diverted along Fleetwood Road, Devonshire Road, Whitegate Drive, Waterloo Road and St Annes Road to Squires Gate Lane.
Road Closures for Ride the Lights
Officials close the Promenade throughout the full length of the Illuminations, usually between 6pm and 10pm on the night.
Yellow signs and cones appear from tea time, with traffic diverted off the Promenade between Red Bank Road at Bispham and Squires Gate Lane at Blackpool South Shore.
If you’re travelling north to south that day it’s best to use the back roads. Traffic is diverted along Fleetwood Road, Devonshire Road, Whitegate Drive, Waterloo Road and St Annes Road to Squires Gate Lane.
Bike Safety for Ride the Lights
In order to keep safe on your bike, there are a few things to remember:
- All bikes should have safety lights
- Cycle helmets are advised for all riders
- Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- The tramway will be operational throughout the ride so DO NOT cycle on it
- 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 be closed from 6pm and will re-open to traffic at 10pm. Try to plan your ride to reach your destination by 10pm and be aware of traffic after this time
- Access to the Pleasure Beach is at the North Gate, to cycle North to South only through the Park, with no access for pedestrians just cyclists. Please note, rides will not be open during this time.
While you’re here…
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We Need Your Help
We Need Your Help
We live in Lowestoft across the other side of the country. We are coming to Blackpool for the excitement of the lights in October. My wife is registered blind but can’t wait to get there. We have not been to Blackpool for a number of years and can’t wait. We are planning our days out already. Let’s hope everything starts to get back to normality soon.