BLACKBURN town centre is set of its biggest-ever Christmas season anchored by its first festive German market.
It will feature a new Santa Dash round the streets as well as annual The Festival of Light, a major parade complete with stilt-walkers, and festive cooking demonstration by Masterchef finalists Moonira Hinglotwala.
The events kick off with Christmas Lights Switch in front of the Town Hall on Saturday November 24 with live music, DJs from Rock FM and guests to be confirmed.
Last year Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson switched on the lights - but town hall chiefs are remaining tight-lipped on whether a celebrity name has been lined up this year.
On Thursday November 29, the four-week German Christmas Market opens for business on Cathedral Square with special log cabins, festive food and drink, and Thursday night and weekend late opening.
Another first for the celebrations is a Santa Dash on Sunday December 9 starting at 11am for everyone from experience 5k runners to beginners, families and their dogs to raise money for North West Air Ambulance.
Organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council, the town’s Business Improvement District and The Mall, the festive events will feature a Christmas Parade with magical princes and princesses, mischievous elves, giant stilt walkers and Father Christmas on Saturday December 1.
The annual Festival of Light returns on December 15 with hundreds of lanterns, drummers, fire performers and illuminated structures. It follows the Annual Community Carol Service at the Cathedral and ends with fireworks at the Town Hall.
On Saturday December 8 MasterChef star Moonira will host a festive cooking demonstration in Blackburn Market.
Nicola Clayton, Chair of the BID, said: “Blackburn’s Big Christmas will be bigger and better than ever this year with something for everyone but with a real local feel.”
Phil Riley, council regeneration boss, said: “Blackburn looks set to have a packed programme of Christmas events this year as well as a whole host of additional festive attractions. The Christmas Market is an exciting venture for the town and we hope it will attract visitors from a wide area.”
On December 1 Blackburn Music Society’ will give a candle-lit performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Cathedral which will host its traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on December 21.
Thursday December 6 sees two performances of Cinderella on Ice at the Blackburn Planet Ice Arena at 1pm and 7pm.
King Georges’ Hall’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty runs from December 9 to 31,
The Blackburn Cathedral Community Theatre Group will perform A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens in its in the South Transept in December 14, 15 and 16 at 7.30pm.
Loraine Jones, General Manager of The Mall Blackburn, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership on this year’s festive programme and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the North West.”
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