IRISH boyband Boyzone and pop rock sensations Scouting for Girls will be among the acts aiming to get the party started at  this year's Blackpool illuminations switch-on.

They will be joined by Manchester pop idol Sarah Whatmore and singer-songwriter David Jordan for the August 29 spectacle when the stars of BBC's Top Gear will press the button to turn on the lights.

The show, to be broadcast live on Radio 2 between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, will be presented by Janice Long.

Head of programmes Lewis Carnie said: "I am looking forward to another switch-on. This year's line-up promises a great evening of entertainment for listeners and all the people joining the celebrations."

The warm-up will begin at 6pm, with acts including Sarah Whatmore, London five-piece band Mama's Gun and boyband Billium.

North Pier's Joey Blower will once again take the reins for the early evening show.

Blackpool Councillor Maxine Callow said: "There has been a great deal of interest in the switch on, thanks to the early announcement the Top Gear team will be doing the honours this year.

"The Illuminations are a very important asset to the resort, and we are pleased to announce such an exciting line-up for what will be a great start to the 2008 Illuminations season."

The Big Switch On will take place at around 9.25pm during the live BBC Radio 2 show, and visitors will be able to view the 2008 Illuminations, featuring brand new designs LocalHeads by Andy McKeown and Venus Reborn by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, until approximately 1am on Saturday morning.

The Illuminations will then shine for 66 consecutive nights until Sunday November 2.