A town's Christmas lights switch-on will be headlined by 1990s chart-topping band D:Ream.

The event in Darwen's Market Square on Saturday, November 19 will start at 10am with the opening of the festive market.

It will include live music, dance performances, The Nutcracker Dancing on Ice and hits by the band D:Ream, famous for their 1994 number-one single 'Things Can Only Get Better'.

The festive market, open till 8pm, will offer an array of crafters, makers and collectors with a street food courtyard with Christmas cocktails, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Other events include Father Christmas storytelling in Darwen Market from 11am, performances by talented local singers from Darwen School of Music and gifted dancers from Lancashire Dance Academy from 2pm.

The entertainment will be compered by burlesque singer Kiki Deville. As the countdown to the lights switch-on nears, D:Ream will take the stage.

The band first came to prominence with the euphoric single 'U R the Best Thing' in the summer of 1992.

The single 'Things Can Only Get Better' gave the group their first chart success in 1994.

The band were then nominated for Best Dance act at the MTV Europe music awards and for Best Single at the Brit Awards in 1995.

With a brand new single 'Pedestal' released in September, D:Ream are still in the spotlight.

After D:Ream has performed, the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 6pm.

There will be a prize for the best Christmas fancy dress of £50 worth of Shop Darwen vouchers.

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Suleman Khonat, said: “We know just how popular the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on is with thousands of people turning out each year.

“This year’s event promises to be a real Christmas cracker with the festive markets and a packed programme of entertainment.

“It’s always a fantastic way to start the official countdown to Christmas.”

Mayor of Darwen Town Council, Cllr Stephanie Brookfield, added: “The town council is proud to support this event.

“We know it’s one that residents, young and old, look forward to each Christmas and this year’s programme is absolutely packed with festive fun for all.”

The event is a collaboration between Blackburn with Darwen Council, Darwen Town Council and Crafty Vintage.