RAE OF LIGHT – Rae Morris coming home for Illuminations Switch-On

Rae Morris

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Rae Morris is to return to Blackpool to perform at her hometown’s biggest night of the year.

Rae, who is now based in London, is joining the line-up for the annual Illuminations Switch-On concert on the Tower Festival Headland on Friday 31 August. She will perform in front of 20,000 fans as part of a show that includes Ella Eyre, Jonas Blue, Diversity and DVJ (Diversity Juniors), and HRVY. International music star Alfie Boe will pull the famous switch during the show to trigger 66 nights of illuminations.

Blackpool-born Rae will make her appearance on the back of a spectacular year which has seen her second album ‘Someone Out There’ receive tremendous critical acclaim, confirming her status as one of the UK’s most exciting and relevant new artists. The track ‘Do It’ (taken from the album) was named by the renowned music site, Popjustice as their track of 2017.

The extraordinary video for the album title track ‘Someone Out There’, was shot in Blackpool and features three generations of her family as well as her partner and album co-creator Fryars (aka Ben Garrett). Rae has collaborated with artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club and Clean Bandit, and earlier this year embarked on a UK-wide tour to coincide with her album release.

Rae Morris performing live at The Academy, Dublin on 13th October 2014

The singer said ‘I’ve been going down to the lights switch on for my entire life. It was always the highlight of the summer, the perfect end to the holidays and usually the day or two before my birthday. I have ALWAYS wanted to perform as part of it. This gig has been the top of my list of dream gigs since I started 7 years ago. Blackpool is my hometown and I love everyone there so much. I was back earlier in the year making the video for “Someone Out There” and it’ll be very special to return again to sing that song and others. I’m honoured to have been invited!’

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said ‘Rae has gone on to become one of the UK’s most accomplished young singer-songwriters, but she has never forgotten her Blackpool roots. We are delighted to bring her back to Blackpool to perform on stage at the biggest event in the resort’s calendar.’

 The ballot for the 20,000 free wristbands to attend the Switch-On concert has now closed. However, you can still guarantee your place with a special VIP package. Go to visit www.visitblackpool.com/switchon for all the details.