pROGRAMME
Heritage Tram Parade
2.30pm start
The parade will see 12 trams from the heritage fleet travel in convoy from the Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham, creating one of the largest tram parades the resort has seen. The convoy, which sets off at 2.30pm, will pause at the Tower Festival Headland for a unique photo opportunity.
Although the historic trams were officially “retired” when new European-style trams were brought into service on the seafront route in 2012, a number of them were retained and thanks to an army of volunteers have been brought back into regular use. They now form one of the finest heritage fleets in the world.
The trams will be carrying hundreds of passengers with some very special guests including mascots from venues attractions including Spongebob and Peter Rabbit.
The Big Comedy Picnic
3-7pm
The chart-topping singer Sonia is headlining a programme of free entertainment on Blackpool seafront as part of the resort’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The entertainment will take place on the Comedy Carpet on Thursday 2 June as Blackpool marks the first day of the extended holiday with a grand parade of heritage trams, a giant outdoor picnic, a light and laser show and a burst of fireworks from the top of The Blackpool Tower.
The programme will also include excerpts from some of Blackpool’s leading summer season venues including Pleasure Beach, the Tower Circus and Jersey Beats, as well as performances by home-grown talent.
Between 3pm and 7pm, people will be able to relax at The Big Comedy Picnic, with face painters and live entertainment including Sonia, Sami Brookes, Langley Dance School, The Houndshill Jubilee Show, Chloe Byrnes, Blackpool Music Service Pop Idol, Ella Grace, The Jersey Beats, The Greatest Show, Angels Elite, The Pleasure Beach Park Show and Blackpool Tower Circus Legend, Mooky.
Evening on the Comedy Carpet
9pm
During the late evening, there will be further entertainment from local DJ Paul O’Brien before the resort joins the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon lighting ceremony.
Shortly before the beacon lighting, there will be a reading of the Royal Proclamation by Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, John Barnett MBE and a bugle fanfare delivered by Ben Parkinson from Hambleton, followed by a countdown to the beacon lighting from the top of The Blackpool Tower.
A magical lighting spectacle will be interspersed with a spectacular burst of fireworks at the top of The Blackpool Tower, followed by a Jubilee light show to round off this remarkable occasion.
Beacons will also be lit at 9.45pm from Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool & Fylde College
Blackpool is one of thousands of locations and landmarks across the UK where beacons will be lit. In true Blackpool style, it will be adding its own unique twist to the ceremony to celebrate this very special royal milestone.
