Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On 2025 Top Tips
Here’s your handy guide to the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On and Festive Markets – a quick round-up of answers to your most frequently asked questions to help you make the very most of all the fabulous festive fun!
The hugely popular event is set to take place on Saturday, November 15, in and around Darwen Market Square, with more than nine hours of festive fun, topped off by Kelly Llorenna switching on the lights – we can’t wait to see you there!
What time does everything start?
The event starts bright and early at 10am with the Crafty Vintage Festive Markets and live entertainment in the Square, including Darwen Brass Band, The Preston Handbell Ensemble, and festive characters spreading Christmas cheer wherever they go!
There’ll also be fairground rides for the little ones, including the incredibly popular helter skelter.
From 2pm, there’s a packed programme on stage led by our fabulous compère, Kiki DeVille.
The impressive line-up includes:
- Zoe Taylor Dance Academy
- Darwen School of Music
- Lancashire Dance Academy
- Jokes with Father Christmas
- Britain’s Got Talent’s Steve Royle
- Begin2Sing
- Headliner – Kelly Llorenna
Then comes the big lights switch-on before DJ Sam Flannagan takes to the decks to keep the Christmas party going until 7pm.
The question we get asked the most is: what time will the lights be switched on?
This will happen at approximately 6pm, but with a full day of entertainment and festive markets from 10am, you’ll want to get down as soon as you can!
The event is very popular and once the market square is full, it will be closed for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Audiences will then be encouraged to use Railway Road area to view the event.
Darwen Market will also be open throughout the day too – from 8am to 4pm – so be sure to pop in, support our traders, and enjoy all they have to offer.
What about toilet facilities?
The toilets in the Annexe at Darwen Market will be open during market hours – 8am–4pm – including an accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities.
There will also be portable toilets on the Market Square for the duration of the event, including baby-changing and accessible facilities.
Several welcoming pubs and cafés surround Market Square where you can take a break, enjoy a drink, and use the facilities. The Old Chapel Pub overlooks the square and has an accessible toilet with baby-changing.
Will there be an accessible viewing area?
Yes! There will be an accessible viewing area. Please ask a member of the security team if you would like to use it.
What should I wear?
The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On and Festive Markets is an outdoor event, so please check the weather forecast on the morning of November 15 and dress appropriately – it’s always worth packing a brolly!
If you do get chilly, there are plenty of places to warm up in Darwen town centre – whether you fancy a proper coffee, a refreshing pint, or a tasty lunch. Why not download our Insider’s Guide for inspiration?
And of course, Christmas jumpers are always encouraged!
Is this a family event?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on hosting a free festive event suitable for the whole family, with something for everyone – from Darwen Brass Band to Britain’s Got Talent’s Steve Royle, and our headliner, Kelly Llorenna. Plus, there’s a special appearance from the big man himself – Father Christmas!
Please note: entertainment on the main stage will be loud, so little ears may need ear defenders. The Market Square also gets very busy before and during the headline act (around 5pm–6pm).
Stage pyrotechnics may be used, but there are no fireworks at this event. Instead, we’ve focused on delivering a fabulous programme throughout the day. Fireworks are costly, weather-dependent, and tend to divide opinion – rest assured, there’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained!
Can I bring alcohol onto Market Square?
Bringing your own alcohol onto Market Square is prohibited, but you’re welcome to buy drinks from one of the event bars on site. Please drink responsibly and remember this is a family event.
How do I get there?
For those coming from out of town, Darwen is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
By train: Darwen Railway Station is a three-minute walk from Market Square, with direct trains from Bolton, Manchester, Blackburn and Clitheroe.
By bus: The Number 1 bus (Blackburn Bus Company) serves Darwen Town Centre with regular services between Bolton and Blackburn. We recommend downloading the Transdev Go app for live bus times and journey planning.
By car: The A666 runs through Darwen Town Centre, around 10 minutes from Junction 4 of the M65.
There are several free car parks nearby, including the Train Station, Bridge Street, and the large car park at Darwen Market. Please note: the covered market car parks close at 4pm.
Road closures: For the event, a portion of Railway Road (between the A666 and Church Street) will be closed from approximately 4pm to 9pm.
Croft Street, including Darwen Circus bus station, will be closed from midnight to 11pm.
A temporary bus stop will be in place on Market Street.
Will there be a photographer?
Yes – a photographer/videographer will be capturing professional photos and video footage of the event for marketing purposes by Darwen Town Centre and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please make the photographer aware.
What about bins and rubbish?
Please use the bins provided on Market Square and help us keep the event clean and tidy. If bins are full, please take your rubbish home with you. Doing your bit helps keep the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On a fantastic free community event for everyone.
See you there!
We hope we’ve answered your burning questions and shared some top tips!
If there’s something we’ve missed, feel free to comment on this blog or message us on Facebook.
The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On & Festive Markets 2025 promises to be a magical start to the Christmas countdown.
We recommend arriving early making a full day of it – Christmas cheer guaranteed!
