Published Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 7:30
It’s nearly time! Darwen’s hugely popular Christmas Lights Switch-On event is back this Saturday, with over nine hours of festive fun for all the family!
Topping the Christmas cracker of a line-up is singing sensation Kelly Llorenna – the powerhouse voice behind dance anthems Heart of Gold and True Love Never Dies.
Also new for 2025 is Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle. The actor, comedian and juggler wowed the BGT judges with his laugh-out-loud routines that are sure to be a hit with the huge crowds.
Steve is part of the line-up for the main stage, which also features the big man himself, Father Christmas, and singers from Darwen School of Music’s Begin2Sing, performing their brand-new single celebrating the town.
The festivities will start at 10am with activities spanning Market Square, Darwen Market, and the main stage right up until 7pm.
Visitors can once again look forward to the return of the festive markets, food stalls, Ice Glitz Christmas characters, and fairground rides, including the popular helter skelter.
The day will begin with a performance from Darwen Brass Band, followed by The Preston Handbell Ensemble and the ever-popular Christmas storytelling sessions – which are a sell-out once again.
From 2pm, Kiki Deville will lead a packed afternoon programme on the main stage, featuring a mix of big-name acts and talented community performers, including pupils from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, Lancashire Dance Academy, and Darwen School of Music.
Just before the countdown to the big switch-on, Kelly Llorenna will take to the stage to perform her huge hits, with DJ Sam Flannagan keeping the Christmas party going once the lights are on.
Every year, thousands of people descend on Darwen Market Square for this much-loved event, which takes months of planning.
And to make the most of your visit, you can check out a new, handy guide to FAQs on the Darwen Town Centre website.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
We know just how much residents love the Christmas lights switch-on, with record crowds over the past few years.
A huge amount of work goes into organising this incredibly popular event, and it’s fantastic to once again have such a packed programme.
It offers nine hours filled with festive favourites – from the markets and Father Christmas to live performances and our brilliant headliner, Kelly Llorenna.
There really is something for everyone, whether it’s Darwen Brass Band or DJ Sam Flannagan getting the Christmas party started.
This is a great event that showcases Darwen town centre and the incredible community spirit here – a perfect way to officially start the countdown to Christmas.
The event is once again being organised in partnership with Crafty Vintage.
Laura Johnson, owner of the events company, added:
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the town’s most anticipated events – something people mark in their calendars year after year, and the drone image of last year’s crowds really captured the incredible atmosphere.
We pour our hearts into planning this celebration, and this year we’re proud to bring more than nine hours of festive entertainment for all ages.
We’re especially thrilled to welcome Kelly Llorenna as our headliner, alongside a fantastic line-up of local talent.
The big countdown to the lights switch-on is now well and truly on, we can’t wait!
The event is jointly funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council.
Councillor Jonathan Hamer, Leader of Darwen Town Council, said:
The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On is always one of the highlights of the festive calendar, drawing huge crowds from Darwen and beyond.
With so much planned, it promises to be another brilliant celebration for the whole community.
We’re thrilled to have Kelly Llorenna leading the countdown to the big switch-on and can’t wait to see Market Square filled with festive cheer once again.
For the full programme and more details, visit 👉 www.darwentowncentre.co.uk
You’ll also find a full rundown of what’s on in the town centre, plus handy festive food, drink, and shopping guides.
Stay up to date on the Darwen Town Centre Facebook page and Shop Darwen Instagram – make sure you’re following for the latest festive updates!