THE festive season has begun in Burnley after its Christmas lights switch-on welcomed thousands of people.
Crowds gathered outside Charter Walk shopping centre yesterday with street activities available to the public before the event.
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The show began with live performances from artists and dance groups, Fierce, Burnley Markets Christmas Choirs and theboykev, Jack Walton, Tiger Heart, Henry Gallagher, Ella Shaw, Matt Fitzgerald and Sam Callahan.
Burnley FC were also present and the show ended with an X Factor finale from contestants Jake Quickenden, Misha B and Tom Bleasby.
The switch-on was followed by a firework display.
As a special Christmas treat, children at the event had the chance to personally meet Nickelodeon’s Spongebob SquarePants before the show from noon.
Late night shopping at Charter Walk will begin on Thursday, December 3.
Nelson Town Centre also hosted its Christmas light switch-on this weekend, with performances including folk entertainment, rock, pop and choir music.
An hourly proclamation by the Town Crier took place along with traditional market stalls set up for shoppers before the switch-on at 6pm on Saturday.
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