A TOWN centre's Christmas lights switch on will take place on Saturday November 19.

The event in Burnley at 5pm will be preceded by a three-hour stage show featuring music, dance, magic and a performance of the Ice Queen.

From Saturday December 17 until Friday December 23 the town will host its very own ice rink.

A Christmas themed Artisan Market will run on Saturday December 3 on St James’s Street.

The town centre festive events will be run by a partnership between Burnley Business Improvement District (BID), Burnley Council and Charter Walk

Burnley BID project manager Andrew Dean said: “We can’t wait to help transform Burnley into a winter wonderland this Christmas, spread some festive cheer for everyone to enjoy and help bring footfall to benefit our businesses.

“As we move towards a more inclusive, family and pet friendly event, we’ll be choosing snow over fireworks and creating a memorable spectacle that will invoke the magic of Christmas."

Charter Walk shopping centre manager Debbie Hernon sad: “Christmas is a magical time for families and an important time for us to bring the people of Burnley together to celebrate in our Community Centre.

"Charter Walk will be providing festive entertainment throughout December. We’ll be entertained by the Santa Band on Saturday December 3 and 17, then The Grinch will be creating mischief in the centre on Saturday December 10.”

Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Council's growth boss, said: “It's great to see such a wide range of exciting and imaginative events planned for the weeks leading up to Christmas.

"Burnley's going to be buzzing.”