Award

Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Event

BLACKPOOL COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

17 Jun 2025 at 14:57

TenderUpdate

11 Apr 2025 at 14:03

Tender

11 Apr 2025 at 13:38

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Event was conducted by Blackpool Council, based in Blackpool, United Kingdom. This prestigious event is crucial for showcasing the vibrancy and cultural significance of the Blackpool Illuminations, and it falls under the services category of exhibition, fair, and congress organisation services. The procurement followed an open competitive flexible procedure under a light-touch regime. Significant updates occurred throughout the process, culminating in the award being announced on 17th June 2025. The contract period starts on 24th June 2025 and could extend incrementally until June 2029, giving ample room for innovation and development.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for business growth, particularly for SMEs experienced in events management and entertainment services. The successful delivery partner will manage an exciting entertainment line-up, high-standard production, and a compelling marketing campaign to enhance Blackpool’s visibility as a leading UK event destination. Piper Music Management Ltd, a small and medium-sized enterprise based in Lytham St. Annes, was awarded the contract, indicating a favourable environment for similar-sized competitors specializing in event-organising services. Businesses with innovative proposals that align with the event's dynamic objectives have a chance to thrive and contribute to one of the UK's iconic cultural events.

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Notice Title

Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Event

Notice Description

Appointment of an experienced and innovative organisation to partner with and help deliver the iconic Blackpool Switch-On event. The delivery partner will play a central role in shaping and executing a dynamic, high-impact event that reflects the vibrancy and cultural significance of the Blackpool Illuminations. Proposals address and integrate the following three key objectives: Event Entertainment and Line-Up - Curate and manage a compelling programme of entertainment that appeals to a diverse audience, including securing world class headline talent and the Switch-On Celebrity. Production - Deliver a high-quality, safe, and seamless production to a provided specification that meets the expectations of a large-scale live and broadcast audience. Marketing and Campaign - Design and implement an engaging marketing campaign that maximises regional and national visibility, drives attendance, and reinforces Blackpool's position as a premier UK event destination. A detailed specification is available.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: The contract shall include the right to include additional purchases by agreement with the supplier for any event or services related to provision of Illuminations switch-on and any extended programme. There is no obligation or guarantee attached to this option.

Renewal: The contract is offered for 1 year with the option to extend incrementally for 36 months (likely to be +1+1+1y). The contract extensions will be subject to contract review of delivery and performance, and budget .

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0501ad
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033060-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79950000 - Exhibition, fair and congress organisation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£840,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£840,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
£1,008,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
12 May 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
1 Jun 20258 months ago
Contract Period
23 Jun 2025 - 25 Jun 2026 1-2 years
Recurrence
2029-02-01

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BLACKPOOL COUNCIL
Contact Name
Jenna Douthwaite
Contact Email
ftsprocurementnotices@blackpool.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BLACKPOOL
Postcode
FY1 1NB
Post Town
Blackpool
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD4 Lancashire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD42 Blackpool
Delivery Location
TLD42 Blackpool

Local Authority
Blackpool
Electoral Ward
Talbot
Westminster Constituency
Blackpool South

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PIPER MUSIC MANAGEMENT

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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