Festive family fun at Blackburn’s Lights Switch On

The line-up for a new style, family lights switch on featuring a local hero has been released by Blackburn’s Business Improvement District (BID) and is set to kick off Blackburn’s Christmas celebrations.

On the 26th November, Blackburn will welcome a host of special guests and entertainment which will mark the start of 4 BIG Saturdays of Festive Fun. The line-up of celebrity guests will include Blackburn’s own, eighty-year-old Ted McDermott, known as the Songaminute Man, Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd who plays David Platt and the Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer finalists Boogie Storm. The event will also be aiming to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Due to public demand, the annual event has been moved to a Saturday making it more convenient for families and visitors to enjoy.

The event, organised by Blackburn BID in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will be hosted by Rock FM’s breakfast presenters Steve & Janine.

Manager of the BID, Harriet Roberts said:

We’ve listened to feedback after previous Christmas events and the BID have organised a whole day of exciting entertainment to celebrate the light’s switch on.

We’ve aimed to change the format of the switch on this year. We want to celebrate everything Blackburn has to offer and people can enjoy entertainment across the town”.

The Sci-Fi themed spectacular will fill the day with costumed characters from the world of film, television and cartoons appearing at Blackburn Market. There will also be a range of showbiz surprises around town including the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 with a giant Marshmallow Man towering over the bus station.

On the same day, King George’s Hall will be hosting Blackburn’s first Comic Con with Sci-Fi stars such as David Prouse (Darth Vader) and Peter Davison (Doctor Who).

Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Executive member for Regeneration, said:

Blackburn Town Centre is becoming known for offering some fantastic family events and Christmas will be no exception with lots going on. There’s something for all the family on every Saturday in Blackburn throughout December. I’m delighted to say we’ve got plenty to offer and I hope people will bring their friends and family to take part in all the festive events.”

Blackburn’s BIG Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday, 26th November between 4pm – 6pm outside Blackburn Town Hall with other events spread throughout the day. For more information about Blackburn’s BIG Christmas, visit www.blackburnchristmas.com