BOLTON comedy legend Peter Kay has been announced as this year’s Blackpool illuminations switch-on star.

The comedian, who holds the record for the biggest live stand-up comedy tour on the planet, has been a life-long aficionado of Blackpool since he was a child.

Peter’s first ever stand-up comedy DVD was recorded in Blackpool - Live at the Top of the Tower - and catapulted him into becoming one of the most successful comedians of all time.

He will flick the switch to launch the 2014 Blackpool illuminations season on August 29.

Peter, the creator and star of hit shows including Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy, will grace the stage after a performance from girl band Little Mix.

Cllr Graham Cain, cabinet member for tourism and leisure at Blackpool Council, said: “Having Peter Kay as this year’s switch-on star is a major coup for Blackpool.

“Peter is the most successful comedy act in this country over the past 20 years and has a long association with Blackpool. We are thrilled that he will be joining the switch-on hall of fame.

“I am also delighted to announce that Little Mix will headline the Friday night concert. They received rave reviews when they played to a sell-out crowd at the Winter Gardens recently and I’m sure this news will delight fans.”

Back in 2003, Peter was one of the stars of Bolton’s Christmas Lights switch-on.

Little Mix and rock band Texas join a list of other chart-topping acts already confirmed to perform. They will be joined by boyband Union J, Pixie Lott, Neon Jungle and George Ezra.

Entrance to this year’s free Friday night switch-on will be wristband only and there will be no wristbands available on the day.

Wristbands will be allocated at random through an on-line ballot, with a maximum of four wristbands per household.

Wristband registration closes at noon on July 23 and successful applicants will be notified on July 29.

To register, go to visitblackpool.com/switchon