TV soap sensation and West End favourite TOM LISTER (Emmerdale’s Carl King) will join Britain’s Got Talent finalist and panto family favourite STEVE ROYLE to help light up Layton on Friday 24 November at the ever-popular Layton Christmas Lights Switch-On!

Blackpool Grand Theatre’s pantomime dream team will flick the big switch and turn Layton into a fabulous festive spectacle. Get ready for an evening of fun Christmas activities for all the family before the all-important Christmas Tree is lit up by Tom Lister and Steve Royle at 6.15 pm.

For many years, the residents of Layton have been among the top visitors to the fabulous family pantomime held each year at The Grand, making the collaboration between Blackpool Grand Theatre and Layton Ward Councillors a natural partnership. Also supporting the big Switch On for 2023 will be Blackpool Brass Band, Blackpool Music Service Community Choir and Layton Primary School Choir, along with heartwarming carols from St Mark’s Church. Community engagement services such as Enveco will be on hand offering help and advice, as well as community advocates to assist with health services and cost-of-living pressures, plus the National Literacy Trust will be giving away free books!

Children will be also able to participate in a magical treasure hunt around Layton to win a goody bag and there will be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and stall holders, who will also be selling festive gifts and treats. And, of course, there will be a visit from Father Christmas himself and some other exciting Christmas visitors… Visit the special Facebook page Layton Together for full details and regular updates and please note – some road closures will take place in Layton from 5.30 pm until 7 pm.

Layton Ward Councillor, Kathryn Benson, said:

Myself and fellow Ward Councillor John Boughton are delighted to be joining together once more with The Grand Theatre to light up Layton in style on the 24th and are overjoyed that Steve Royle and Tom Lister can be with us on what will be a brilliant night for all the community.

We would like to thank our partners Layton Together, all the business and stall holders for their kind donations, Layton Library Staff and The Literacy Trust for their book donations, Enveco and Blackpool Council for their support with road closures and the Blackpool
Illuminations team. Layton is a great place to live with a true community spirit and it will be wonderful to see so many happy smiley faces on the night. Layton is pulling out all the stops to bring the festive sparkle for everyone to enjoy. Thank you so much, everyone!

Enjoy a fun-packed evening at Layton Lights Switch On and then fly to Blackpool Grand Theatre for the greatest magical Christmas pantomime ever told with a spectacular all-star cast! Book your seats now and get star spotting!

Aladdin is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Friday 1 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 with matinee and evening performances starring Tom Lister (Emmerdale) as Abanazar; Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent) as Wishee Washee; Ben Harlow as Widow Twankey; Moo Yi Kim as Princess Jasmine; Mervin Noronha as Aladdin; Liam Morris as the Genie; Amy Perry as Spirit of The Ring and Michael Robert-Lowe as the Emperor.

• Accessible performances will also be available, with an extra special relaxed pantomime performance on Thu 28 Dec at 5pm.
Tickets are already selling fast with limited availability on some dates! Book your seats here or call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit for bookings and further information!