Stars light up Blackburn and Darwen for Christmas

Visitors to this year’s Christmas lights switch in Blackburn will be seeing double !

X factor twins Jedward – otherwise known as John and Edward Grimes – will be flicking the switch on November 20 outside the town hall in King William Street.

The Eurovision and Big Brother stars will be performing songs from their soon-to-be released fourth album which was written and produced entirely by them.

Rock FM will once again be hosting an evening of music and madness starting at 4.45pm, with the big switch on at 7pm.

Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall will be lighting up Darwen on Saturday, November 22 at 6.30pm. The fun starts at 4pm.

Since winning the fifth series of the national talent show in 2011, Jai has released his debut album Believe and is currently working in the studio on new material.

The line-up at Blackburn also includes Janet Devlin and Harry Mondryk, while James Smith and Harry will also be entertaining the crowds at Darwen.

Stars from this year’s panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarves will also be taking to the stage before the big switch on.

And don’t forget – the switch on marks the start of late night shopping.

The BID is supporting the drive to bring shoppers to the town by launching a distinctive marketing campaign and trench of advertising which will highlight the big brand retailers and smaller specialist independent shoppers.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The lights switch on are always hugely popular events and I am sure this year will be no different. There will be lots of family activities in Blackburn and Darwen this year in the run up to Christmas.

“We are working closely with Mall, the markets and the BID to ensure that we combine our efforts to make this a special Christmas and New Year for residents, visitors and traders.”