The Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool has been announced as this year’s VIP partner for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event. Viva Blackpool will cater for several hundred VIP ticket-holders as part of the biggest event in the resort’s entertainment calendar.
The Switch-On, which is being staged in association with MTV on Friday 1 September, will feature headline performances by Example & DJ Wire, Conor Maynard, Diversity and Louisa Johnson.
Viva Blackpool was founded in 2012 by Blackpool based entrepreneurs, Martin Heywood and Leye D Johns. The Vegas venue features three impressive rooms and an eclectic mix of Vegas style entertainment to suit everyone. Employing over 65 local people, the business has a strong ethos of staff development, consistently investing into training programmes and paying the living wage. It provides award-winning service, a wonderful restaurant and fantastic bar. In June 2017, Vivaexpanded with the launch of the Viva Vegas Diner on Blackpool’s iconic Golden Mile, offering a unique blend of American style dining and live entertainment, 365 days a year.
Entertainment Director, Leye D Johns recently won Lancashire Tourism Superstar 2016 and was shortlisted for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award.
Commenting on the announcement, Martin Heywood, Managing Director at Viva Blackpool said, “Viva Blackpool is delighted to have been chosen as this year’s VIP sponsor. We are extremely proud and honoured to be working alongside VisitBlackpool to support this prestigious event in the resort.”
VisitBlackpool is tasked with promoting the UK’s most popular holiday destination to a worldwide audience. As the tourism arm of Blackpool Council, they work closely with local partners and stakeholders to showcase the best that Blackpool has to offer our visitors. Their role is to provide strategic leadership, guidance and advice on tourism and the visitor economy in Blackpool and to deliver services that attract and service the visitor that supports tourism businesses throughout Blackpool.
Cllr. Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader, Blackpool Council, added: “We are delighted that Viva Blackpool is partnering with us for this year’s VIP Switch-On offer. The investment that has been made in the venue and the recent addition of the VivaVegas Diner has created a fantastic offer for visitors and residents.”
The Friday night celebration will start with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase featuring the best of talent from across the Fylde Coast, prior to the start of the main show. As last year, the Switch-On event will be free, with people invited to apply for the 20,000 wristbands that will guarantee entry to the Tower Festival Headland arena. The wristband ballot closes at 9am on 1 August. To register, go to: www.visitblackpool.com/switchon.
