Darwen’s brightest Christmas yet as thousands enjoy spectacular switch-on!
Darwen’s Christmas lights switch-on once again smashed all records as thousands of people turned out for the hugely popular event marking an exciting start of the festive countdown.
The annual celebration offered more than nine hours packed full of Christmas cheer, drawing visitors from across the borough and beyond to enjoy the programme of entertainment.
Topping the bill was dance music legend Kelly Llorenna, who well and truly got the Christmas party started with a set of her 90s classic hits Heart of Gold and True Love Never Dies before a special encore of Set You Free.
There was also plenty of laughter too thanks to Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle, whose hilarious routines delighted audiences of all ages.
The main stage programme, hosted by glamorous compere Kiki Deville, featured an incredible line-up of local talent, including performers from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, Lancashire Dance Academy and Darwen School of Music, whose Begin2Sing group debuted their brand-new single celebrating the town.
Impressively, they were joined on stage by special guest, Gloria Jones of Tainted Love fame who urged the crowds to download the single to help get it into the charts.
As the excitement built towards the big switch on itself, the crowd joined together in a rousing countdown before the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen helped switch on the new dazzling lights, with a burst of sparklers and confetti transforming the town centre into a sparkling winter wonderland.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed festive markets, Darwen Brass Band, handbells, sell out storytelling sessions with Father Christmas, and the return of the popular helter skelter and fairground rides as well as Ice Glitz Christmas characters – all helping to create a magical atmosphere across Market Square and Darwen Market.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “Once again, Darwen has shown what an incredible community it is.
“The atmosphere at the Christmas lights switch on was fantastic from start to finish, and the turnout was phenomenal – record breaking once again.
“Events like this really showcase the best of our town centre – the people, the talent, and the festive spirit that make Darwen so special.”
The event was organised in partnership with Crafty Vintage, who once again pulled out all the stops to bring together an unforgettable day of entertainment.
Laura Johnson, owner of Crafty Vintage, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of how this year’s event turned out.
“The crowds, the smiles, and the festive cheer were just amazing – it’s what we plan for all year!
“Kelly Llorenna was an absolute star, and the local performers brought so much joy to the stage. Darwen truly knows how to celebrate Christmas.”
Jointly funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council, the Christmas lights switch on has become one of Darwen’s biggest events of year.
Councillor Jonathan Hamer, Leader of Darwen Town Council, added: “What an event to showcase our town centre, the wonderful range of independent businesses we are proud to be home to, and our talented residents.
“Every single year, this event gets bigger and better and somehow manages to exceed all expectations.
“Seeing Market Square packed with families enjoying themselves really captures what Darwen is all about – togetherness, pride, and community spirit.
“The countdown to Christmas officially starts here!”
For a full guide to Darwen Town Centre this Christmas, please check our the Darwen Town Centre website: www.darwentowncentre.co.uk
And for photos and videos from the events, latest updates and more on what’s on this Christmas, please follow Darwen Town Centre on Facebook and Shop Darwen on Instagram.
And for those who want to do it all again, the same team is this year organising Blackburn’s Christmas lights switch on, with more festive fun to look forward to this Saturday (November 22nd).
There, Blackburn Rovers legend David Dunn will be switching on the lights in the club’s 150th year with Northern Soul star, Darrell Smith and there’s an Ice Glitz Frozen Fantasy ice show along with favourites including a visit from Father Christmas and so much more.
You can read a full rundown of what’s planned on the Council’s Shuttle website using this link.
