THE first major event since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in a town centre will take place on Saturday.

Darwen Day is aimed to be a free, fun-filled family festival.

It will run from 10am until 4pm in Market Square with singers, stalls and fairground rides.

It follows the cancellation of a string of annual events in Darwen in the past 15 months and the decision not to stage the traditional 1940s day this summer.

The festival sees the revival of Darwen Day, for some years a major draw in the town centre before being abandoned.

It is a collaboration between Let’s Make, Crafty Vintage, Darwen Town Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Measures are being put in place to ensure the event is Covid safe.

The event will start with a Superhero Show with a prize for the best-dressed character after an opening ceremony performed by town crier Darryl Counsell. Children can enjoy free fairground rides, stalls and traditional games like ‘hook a duck’ to win prizes.

At 12.15pm burlesque singer and The Voice contestant Kiki Deville will take the stage followed at 1pm by Hoghton’s Lois Elizabeth.

Darwen born and bred jazz and vintage singer Poppy Holiday will perform at 2pm.

Cllr Derek Hardman, mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council who plans to attend, said: “It will be great to see families out enjoying the entertainment and rides and hopefully a nice change after months of restrictions.”

Cllr Lilian Salton, mayor of Darwen Town Council said: “I am very much looking forward to it. Darwen is a friendly town.”

A selection of food and drinks will be available to from stall holders on Darwen Market and local shops.

Laura Johnson, from event organisers Crafty Vintage said: “We are delighted to be back doing events in Darwen. This has been planned very carefully, including a thorough Covid risk assessment.”

Darwen West ward’s Cllr Dave Smith said: “It’s good to see Darwen Day back after a break of several years.”

Darwen South ward’s Cllr Kevin Connor said: “This is first major event in Darwen town centre since the start of the pandemic. It will be great to see people back enjoying themselves for real family day out aimed at all generations.”

Visitors are encouraged to take a Covid test before attending.

The future of 1940s Day is under review by Darwen Town Council.