Layton’s definitely Got Talent for the Layton Community Lights Switch On – Blackpool Grand Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Britain’s Got Talent legend and comedy entertainer, Steve Royle, was on hand to light up proceedings at the much-anticipated Layton Christmas Lights Switch-On on Friday 26 November.

For many years, the residents of Layton have been one of the top visitors to the pantomime held each year at the Grand Theatre making the collaboration between Blackpool Grand Theatre and Layton Ward Councillors (Cllr Kath Benson and Cllr Martin Mitchell) a natural partnership. The Grand Theatre worked with the businesses in Layton to help promote the pantomime and welcome back Layton residents to the theatre to experience live Panto again during an extended break due to the pandemic.

Huge credit must go to local business owner Sue Seddon and husband Steve who worked night and day on the project and brought all the businesses together – Well done Sue!

Working with the Blackpool Illuminations team, Layton has been turned into a festive spectacle with Christmas features and the all-important Christmas Tree Lights Switch On, which this year took place outside the Co-Op opposite Layton roundabout with lots of activities and huge small business support, with the big switch-on by Blackpool Grand Theatre Snow White and Seven Dwarfs and Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Steve Royle.

Layton Lights Switch On – Community at work…

Special celebrity guest, Steve Royle, said: “I was thrilled and delighted to once again be asked to switch-on Layton Lights on this year, I always wanted to be an electrician and this is the closest I’ll get to achieving that dream. You can’t beat light entertainment!

The crowds were amazing and the local business support was a true testament to the high street. Thank you all for braving the weather… the crowd warmth kept us all going.”

Layton Library was one of the venues making a festive splash to support the Switch On including Snow White themed activities including painting, crocheting, knitting collages and the chance to enter a competition to win a family ticket for the panto itself.  There was also a story-time and creative session for pre-schoolers and primary age.

With lots more businesses in Layton looking to support the Christmas activities this year, Layton is really pulling the stops out to bring the festive sparkle for businesses and residents.

Cllr Martin Mitchell the Ward Councillor for Layton said: “As Layton’s Councillors, myself and Kathryn Benson are delighted to join with the Grand Theatre to light up Layton in style on November 26th. We are overjoyed that Steve Royle will once again be with us to flick the switch.”

This year’s Blackpool Grand Theatre pantomime will star Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street) as the Wicked Queen, and Grand Panto favourite Steve Royle (Britain’s Got Talent, Comic, Presenter) returns as Muddles, to make his annual appearance. The cast also includes Jamie Steen as Nurse, Chris Warner-Drake as Prince Frederick, and Ellie Green as Snow White.

In partnership with Layton Ward Councillors

Blackpool Grand Theatre was delighted to support Layton Community Christmas Lights Switch-On

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs runs from 3 December 2021 to 2 January 2022.  To book tickets, call (01253) 290190, visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk, or call into the theatre on Church Street, Blackpool.