A town will be hosting its Christmas lights switch-on this weekend, complete with choir and makers market.

The festive event will take place in Clitheroe market on Saturday, and following the switch-on by Ribble Valley Mayor, Tony Austin, the Clitheroe Pop Choir will take to the market bullring at 1pm to entertain shoppers with Christmas carols and hymns.

More than 50 of the UK’s most celebrated craftworkers and artists will also be taking part in a festive showcase at the nearby Platform Gallery, where handmade gifts can be purchased.

A spokesperson for Clitheroe Town Council said: "If you are looking for a unique one-off Christmas gift, with prices starting at just £3, head for the Northern Star exhibition at the Station Road gallery.

"The exhibition, which runs until Christmas Eve, features a festive feast of handmade items, including textiles, ceramics, glass, woodwork, jewellery, lighting, decorations and cards.

"Exhibitors include silversmith Lou Gillett, whose Atlantic Design Studio is based on the coast of Northern Ireland; Hampshire surface pattern artist Claire Morosi, whose quirky, intricate and multi-layered prints and fabric pendants feature flowers, birds and fish, and Cornwall textile artist Claire Armitage, whose luxurious silk scarves, clutch bags, purses and brooches blend floral, avian and nautical imagery with poetry and folklore."

The Platform Gallery is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sundays until Christmas Eve.

Parking is also on offer at the Clitheroe Market car park from 10am on Saturday December 4, 11 and 18, as well as the Lowergate and Railway View (council offices) car parks in Clitheroe.

The free parking is intended for shoppers only, not traders or town centre workers, and other municipal car parks are not included.