The annual Blackpool Illuminations lights festival, a tradition in England dating all the way back to 1879, launched for the year on September 1, projected to draw some 3 Million visitors to the city over the 66-day celebration.

Each year, the Illuminations kicks off with a star-studded concert leading up to the first-day “Switch On,” powering up the lighting displays for the upcoming season – and this year, the festival beamed in a little help from the 23rd Century to kick things off.

Headlined (somewhat ironically) by the street dance troupe Diversity, the Switch On seemed to be going well until a power failure delayed the Illumination… so a distress call was sent out, only to be answered by Captain Gabriel Lorca of the USS Discovery (UK native Jason Isaacs).

DIVERSITY: The problem is that we haven’t got enough power! This is the biggest Switch On yet – we need intergalactic power. I know just who to call… so let’s see if they can help. If we look [at the concert projection screens] I’m going to see if I can get him on video. Please come in! ISAACS: Good evening – Captain Lorca here, from the USS Discovery, reading you loud and clear. I got a distress signal from your location. What’s up? DIVERSITY: This is captain Ashley Banjo from the USS… uh… Diversity. We need intergalactic power, and we need a lot of it – right now! We need it to be the biggest Switch On ever – help us! ISAACS: Really? You were instructed to use your communicator for emergencies only. I was in the middle of something of interplanetary significance and consequence… [Looks offscreen] Just put it in the microwave. Two minutes. [Looks back to camera] I’m not really supposed to help with this kind of thing… but, I have a friend from the UK who used to come and see the Illuminations every year switched on. Handsome guy, talented; very attractive to women. I wonder what happened to him? But for his sake – I’ll see what I can do. So turn on your tower’s communication link so I can better assist!

DIVERSITY: All right, tower on! Tower is ready. ISAACS: That’s pretty cool for 21st Century technology. Connection to Blackpool now confirmed – initiating power transfer now. [Fireworks display begins] ISAACS: That was easy – glad we could be of assistance. Discovery out; have some chips for me. DIVERSITY: Thank you Captain Lorca!

A few days prior to the September 1 Switch On, deputy leader of the Blackpool Council Gillian Campbell spoke to the then-upcoming Star Trek: Discovery tie-in in a press statement.

We are delighted that one of the world’s most iconic TV franchises is to take part in this year’s Illuminations switch-on. A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to produce what should be another truly memorable event. This year’s switch-on ceremony will be delivered in a totally unique and innovative way, creating a spectacular launch pad for the 2017 Illuminations season. We can’t wait to see it unfold on the night.

Come back to TrekCore often for more Star Trek: Discovery news!