Blackpool Promenade will be closed to traffic this evening for the annual Ride The Lights.



Between 7 and 10pm cyclists taking part will be able to get a sneak preview of the Blackpool Illuminations.

The free event is attended by thousands of people every year.

Ged and Hayley will be hosting entertainment on the Tower Festival Headland.

This year for the first time ever, riders will have the opportunity to detour through the Blackpool Pleasure Beach via North Gate.

As well as getting the chance of a first look at the Illuminations ahead of Switch-On, cyclists are able to enjoy riding on the Promenade without having to worry about cars.

Bike Doctors CJ Cycles and Get Cycling will be in attendance to help with all your cycling needs and will be located on the hub at Tower Festival Headland.

The route runs from Starr Gate, South Shore all the way through to Red Bank Road, Bispham with riders able to go in either direction or join the ride at any point on the promenade.

Riders who wish to detour into the Pleasure Beach will be greeted by a live DJ set; Nickelodeon and Blackpool Pleasure Beach characters and will be open from 7pm-10pm for cyclists only. The Pleasure Beach staff have kindly volunteered their time to give people this fantastic new experience.

Riders can cycle as much or as little of the course as they choose.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: "Ride the Lights is always extremely popular and is now a firm fixture on Blackpool's calendar.

"It will be a great night of cycling, fun and entertainment and I hope everyone will have a fantastic time.

In order to keep safe on your bike, there are a few things to remember:

" All bikes should have safety lights
" Riders are advised to wear cycle helmets
" 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 so 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 pedestrian's just cyclists. Please note rides will not be open during this time.

Road closure details are as follows:

From 6pm to 10.30pm

" Promenade Closed between Starr Gate and Pennystone Road
" Pennystone Road Closed Full Length
" Beaufort Avenue Closed between Pennystone Road and Red Bank Road
" Red Bank Road Closed between Beaufort Avenue and the Promenade

The signed diversion routes are:

" Southbound - Kelso Avenue, Fleetwood Road, Devonshire Road, Whitegate Drive, Waterloo Road, St Annes Road, Squires Gate Lane.
" Northbound - Squires Gate Lane, St Annes Road, Waterloo Road, Whitegate Drive, Devonshire Road, Fleetwood Road.

Last entry for cyclists to the Pleasure Beach will be 9.30pm; please note access will not be available for novelty vehicles.