VISITORS were given a preview last night of Blackpool illuminations which will be switched on tomorrow by former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Also appearing at the star-studded opening night will be chart-topping teen band McFly, which features Bromley Cross singer Danny Jones and Bolton born DJ Mark Radcliffe.

The switch on ceremony will welcome a massive 15,000 revellers to a specially constructed arena opposite Coral Island starting at 9.30pm.

The event will not be affected by a fire which affected Blackpool Pleasure Beach last night.

More than 80 firefighters tackled a major blaze in the early hours of today.

No-one was injured in the fire but several buildings in the complex are feared to have been badly damaged.

The scene of the blaze was near the site's star attraction, the Pepsi Max Big One, which was not damaged.