There is always a tremendous feeling of anticipation in the period leading up to the switching on of the illuminations. The event itself is arguably the biggest night in the British holiday calendar. At the flick of a switch a dark evening is suddenly transformed by a brilliant display of light and colour. The promenade lights up for six miles and the Tower searchlight sweeps the town. The switch on ceremony is accompanied by a concert featuring well known singers and bands which is simultaneously broadcast on BBC radio, and the actual switch on is always performed by a famous person whose identity often remains undisclosed until close to the event itself, contributing to the sense of occasion.

The lights are turned on in the beginning of September and continue every evening until early November. Switch on times vary each evening from 9.00 pm on the first night and after that from 8.00 pm to 5.00 pm depending on how early it gets dark. Generally speaking the lights come on when darkness falls. The lights stay on each night until 11.30 pm, 12.00 am, or 1.00 am depending on which night it is , usually staying on longer at weekends.