The headliners for this year's Darwen Christmas lights switch on have been announced.

Building on the success of last year's event, dance group K-Klass will be performing their 90s hits ‘Rhythm is a Mystery’ and ‘Let Me Show You’.

The event, on Saturday, November 16, will also see the return of the popular Crafty Vintage festive markets.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive member for growth and development, said: “The Christmas lights switch on is one of the biggest and most popular events in the Darwen calendar.

“Last year, many said it was the ‘best-ever’ with N-Trance drawing in record crowds and really getting the Christmas party started.

“Keeping to the 90s dance theme, we’re pleased to be able to announce that K-Klass will be switching on the lights this year as part of a packed programme running right through from the early afternoon into the evening.

“This is always a great way to start the official countdown to Christmas with family and friends while supporting our town centre businesses.”

K-Klass was formed after a chance meeting at the famous Hacienda nightclub and the group went on to be residents at Cream and make numerous headline appearances at festivals.

They have worked alongside the likes of Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, Luther Vandross and Candi Staton.

Alongside the music, stalls will be open in the square and at Darwen Market with Crafty Vintage announcing the full line-up shortly.

Laura Johnson, Crafty Vintage’s owner, said: “It’s always such a joy to work on the Darwen Christmas lights switch on because we know just how popular and well-liked the event is.

“Every year, we set the bar higher and higher, and the feedback last year was just brilliant.

“We always like to have a good mix of local talent with a strong headline act for the switch-on and we’re really excited to be announcing K-Klass today, especially as so many people asked for us to bring back the 90s dance theme that was such a hit with N-Trance.

“As well as the impressive line-up of entertainment, including lots for families, the Crafty Vintage outdoor markets will be back too for festive food, drinks and gifts - we can’t wait to announce everything we have planned.”

The event is jointly funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council.

Leader of Darwen Town Council, Cllr Jonathan Hamer, said: “Darwen Town Council is once again proud to be supporting the Christmas lights switch on.

“This event is always incredibly popular with Darreners and visitors too with so much going on right through the afternoon and into the early evening.

“It’s fantastic to have K-Klass turning on the lights this year and we very much look forward to sharing more details about what’s planned.”

Blackburn’s Christmas lights switch-on event will take place the following week – Saturday, November 23.