Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Update – 6 August 2009: this press release has been updated to reflect new booking information about Friday Night Is Music Night.

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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2 is set to broadcast a series of live shows from Blackpool to celebrate the switching on of the world famous Illuminations on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September 2009, with stars including Alan Carr, Anton Du Beke, Chris Evans, Emma Forbes, Kate Thornton, JLS, Madness, Paloma Faith, Pixie Lott and Tony Christie.

Programming kicks off on Friday afternoon when Chris Evans presents his Radio 2 Drivetime show live from the top of the Blackpool Tower between 5.00 and 7.00pm.

Chris says: "Radio 2 and Blackpool – how can that not be fun? Bring on the candyfloss and the jam-covered waffles and book me in to see Gypsy Rose Lee at her next available window."

Anton Du Beke of Strictly Come Dancing fame presents a special swing Friday Night Is Music Night – the world's longest-running live music programme on radio – live from Blackpool's Opera House between 7.00 and 8.30pm.

Featuring the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Big Band, special guests include legendary crooner Tony Christie and one to watch Paloma Faith.

The ticket giveaway for this event will be open from Monday 10 August. For more information on how to get a ticket to this unique event go to bbc.co.uk/radio2 from Monday 10 August.

Tony and Paloma then hot-foot it to the Radio 2 stage to join chart topping X Factor finalists JLS, one of the UK's great bands Madness and pop princess Pixie Lott to perform in celebration of the switch on ceremony, Live At The Lights.

Flicking the famous switch is one-time Blackpool resident and now Radio 2 presenter, comedian Alan Carr.

The show is presented by Kate Thornton and will be broadcast live at 8.30pm.

Alan says: "I can't wait for my little city break up there in the Vegas of the north. I'll be turning you all on Friday night then cruising up and down the esplanade dressed as a sailor, in a tram decked out as a boat, for my Radio 2 show on Saturday night. Yes, only in Blackpool!"

Alan will be joined aboard the tram on Saturday night by his usual Radio 2 co-host Emma Forbes. Going Out With Alan Carr will be live between 6.00 and 8.00pm.

Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, says: "We've always endeavoured to secure stellar line-ups for our Blackpool Illuminations show. However, this year with Radio 2 Live In Blackpool we are really proud to be able to broaden our coverage and take our shows out of London and bring our presenters and programmes to the seaside.

"From the Tower to the Promenade we will be all over the town as we present one of Radio 2's highlights of the year – Radio 2 Live In Blackpool."

A star-studded concert at The Empress Ballroom takes place on Saturday 5 September and is broadcast live from 8.00 to 10.00pm.

Details of performers will be announced on Radio 2 from Monday 3 August. The ticket giveaway for this event will be open from Monday 3 August. For more information on how to get a ticket go to bbc.co.uk/radio2 from that day.

In the run-up to Radio 2 Live In Blackpool Danny Wallace heads to town to find out what people are listening to and why to compile The Nation's Playlist. The programme will be broadcast between 10.00 and 11.00pm on Saturday 5 September.

Other special events as part of Radio 2 Live In Blackpool will be taking place in town over the weekend. Stay tuned to Radio 2 to find out more or visit bbc.co.uk/radio2.

Radio 2 Live In Blackpool programming

Chris Evans' Drivetime – live from the Blackpool Tower. Friday 4 September, 5.00-7.00pm.

Friday Night Is Music Night – live from the Opera House. Friday 4 September, 7.00-8.30pm.

Radio 2 Live At The Lights – live from the Radio 2 Arena. Friday 4 September, 8.30-9.30pm.

Going Out With Alan Carr – live from the Blackpool Tram. Saturday 5 September, 6.00-8.00pm.

Radio 2 Live In Blackpool – live from the Empress Ballroom. Saturday 5 September, 8.00-10.00pm.

The Nation's Playlist – broadcast Saturday 5 September, 10.00-11.00pm.

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