X FACTOR twins Jedward will turn on Blackburn’s Christmas lights this year, it has been announced.

Brothers John and Edward Grimes will flick the switch outside the Town Hall on November 20.

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And in Darwen, Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall will switch on the lights in the Market Square on Saturday, November 22.

Irish stars Jedward, who have also represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest and appeared on Big Brother, will perform songs from their soon-to-be released album.

Entertainment will start at 4.45pm ahead of the big switch-on at 7pm, and the line-up will also feature Janet Devlin and Harry Mondryk.

And in Darwen, James Smith and Harry Mondryk will also entertain the crowds when the event gets underway at 4pm.

Stars from this year’s panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, will also be taking to the stage before the big switch-on at 6.30pm.

The switch-ons will mark the start of late-night shopping in the run-up to Christmas and the Business Improvement District (BID) will launch a marketing campaign in a drive to bring shoppers into the towns.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration, said: “The lights switch-ons 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 the 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.”