Published Tuesday 22 November 2022 at 14:52
Record crowds gathered in Darwen Market Square for the Christmas Lights Switch On this weekend.
90s hit makers, D:Ream were the headline act, joined on stage by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Suleman Khonat, and the Deputy Leader of the Town Council, Councillor Kevin Connor, for the big countdown.
The packed programme of festivities ran right from 10am to 8pm with Christmas markets boasting gifts, food and drink and sell-out ‘Storytelling with Santa’ sessions in Darwen Market, with the ‘Big Man’ drawing the crowds.
There was live performances throughout the afternoon by students from Darwen School of Music, Lancashire Dance Academy and stunning renditions of Christmas classics with compere, Kiki DeVille, plus an ice show of The Elves and the Toy Maker!
Then it was time for D:Ream to take to the stage with their hits ‘Things Can Only Get Better,’ ‘U R The Best Thing’ and more.
They performed right up until the big countdown, when the Market Hall and Market Square were illuminated with the dazzling Christmas lights.
And, as a special Christmas bonus, the newly-restored Darwen Tower was lit too with a little help from Christmas magic and Darwen-based LCR Rental.
The event was organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council in partnership with Crafty Vintage and was kindly sponsored by Duckworths Estate Agents and Kingswood Homes.
And it’s just the start with a free festive event every Saturday in Darwen between now and Christmas.
It’ll be Blackburn’s turn this weekend too with a Strictly-themed Glitterball and special celebrity guest AJ Odudu.
Find out what’s planned for Christmas in Blackburn this weekend.