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Blackpool Illuminations switch-on to be held indoors with limited numbers for second year running

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 30th April 2021

Organisers have announced that this year’s Blackpool Illuminations switch-on event will take place indoors for the second year running, with the annual in-person open air event cancelled due to ongoing COVID fears.

With continuing uncertainty over restrictions on large-scale events this summer, the traditional switch-on celebration that visitors have come to know and love – which usually takes place on the outdoor Tower Festival Headland Arena – will once again move indoors to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, just as it did last year.

This year’s switch-on event will feature live music performances, with an audience made up of winners of a free-to-enter ballot.

The concert and switch-on moment will also be live streamed.

“We are thrilled to be able to announce the return of a live concert as a curtain-raiser for our extended Blackpool Illuminations season.” said Cllr Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture at Blackpool Council.

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“While we would love to be able to bring back a full-scale concert with thousands of people partying on the headland, there are still too many uncertainties over the logistics of being able to do that in a safe and controlled way [but] we are fortunate that we have a world-class ballroom, which is currently undergoing a £1 million renovation and which will provide a truly fitting stage for the 2021 switch-on concert.

“The live stream in 2020 proved hugely successful and we are delighted that people will be able to enjoy the celebration no matter where they are”.

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Full details of the acts that will perform at the event will be revealed over the coming months, along with the identity of the switch-on star and at least 1,000 tickets will initially be available to join the live audience.

Further tickets could be made available if future guidance allows, and any ticket allocation will be split equally between local residents and visitors.

This year’s Illuminations will run from Friday 3rd September 2021 – Monday 3rd January 2022.

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You can find more information via the Visit Blackpool website.

Featured Image – Visit Blackpool

News

How to look after your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Tips for cats and dogs Bonfire Night 2024

Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.

When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.

Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.

72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.

How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night

Cover your windows where possible

Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.

In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.

Try to block out the noise with your own

Radio station Classic FM hosts their calming show on Bonfire Night every year and 2024 seems no different with Charlotte Hawkins and Dan Walker curating a pet-friendly playlist for all to enjoy.

I mean, come on, how lovely is this?

Keep them occupied

The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.

It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.

Stay calm yourself

It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.

As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.

There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…

how to look after cats fireworks
Joules worked with animal behaviourist Kimberly Grundy to help develop these helpful Bonfire Night tips cats and dogs.
how to keep dogs calm on guy fawkes night
They are one of many retailers that stock comforting cushions and blankets that are perfect for these occasions.

Read more:

Nine signs to be aware of:

The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.

  1. Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
  2. Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
  3. Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
  4. Hiding or trying to find a safe space
  5. Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
  6. Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
  7. Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
  8. Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
  9. Dilated pupils

Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Supplied/Sebastian Hietsch (via Pexels)/Jeremy Wheaton (via Flickr)/Raxpixel

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Manchester to commemorate our armed forces with ceremony and parade this Remembrance Sunday

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester is set to fall silent and remember the fallen during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

Just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has now revealed the details of how the city will mark Remembrance Sunday this weekend, and has confirmed that the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade will set off at 10:25am from John Dalton Street.

Civic dignitaries, servicemen and women, service and ex-service organisations, faith leaders, emergency services, and other uniformed organisations, have all been invited to lay traditional poppy wreaths and pay their respects at the Cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square, along with members of the public.

Proceedings will start at 10:25am, and run through until midday.

Plans to mark Remembrance Sunday in Manchester have been announced / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)

Veterans and military personnel will march from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph, where a service will be held at 11am, along with a two-minute silence, all before a short march to Peter Street across St Peter’s Square then takes place to close out the commemorations.

The two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, and the start and finish of this silence marked by the firing of a maroon.

In order for necessary security checks and safeguards to be carried out, Manchester City Council has confirmed that a series of road closures will be implemented on Sunday 10 November between 7am and 1pm.

The following road closures will be in place:

  • John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Cross Street)  
  • Princess Street (Cross Street to Portland Street) with a ‘hard closure’ at Back George Street 
  • Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)  
  • Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street) with a ‘hard closure’ at Watson street and Hale Street 
  • Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)  
  • Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)  
  • Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)  
  • Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)  
  • Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill)  
  • Jackson Row (Deansgate to Southmill)  
  • Central Street (Southmill to Mount Street) 
  • Cooper Street (Kennedy to Princess Street)  
  • West Mosely Street (Booth Street to princess Street) 
  • Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)  
  • St James’s Square (South King Street to John Dalton Street)  
  • Ridgefield (Mulberry Street to John Dalton Street)
All the road closures for the ceremony have been confirmed too / Credit: Manchester City Council

As well as road closures, there will also be a number of parking restrictions set to apply on the day too.

It has been confirmed that all parking bays – including accessible parking bays – will be suspended from 8pm on Saturday 9 November, right through to 2pm on Sunday 10 November.

The roads where parking restrictions will apply are:

  • Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill Street)
  • Jackson Row (Deansgate to Southmill Street)
  • Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)
  • Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
  • Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
  • Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
  • Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street)
  • Oxford Street (Peter Street to Chepstow)
  • Princess Street (Albert Square to Portland Street)
  • John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Albert Square)
  • Ridgefield Street (John Dalton Street to South King Street)
  • Central Street (Southmill Street to Mount Street)
  • St James’ Square (South King Street to John Dalton)​
  • Windmill Street (Mount Street to Watson Street)​
  • Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)​
  • Cooper Street (Kennedy to Princess Street)​
  • West Mosely Street (Booth Street to Princess Street)​
  • Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)

When it comes to other forms of public transport, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that no trams will run through St Peter’s Square between 10am and 12:30pm on Sunday 10 November.

Read more:

More updates on this can be found at tfgm.com/remembrance-sunday, and then for real-time travel information on the day, you’ll want to check the the TfGM website.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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