The full line-up for Darwen's Christmas lights switch-on has been revealed, adding to an already packed programme with Britain’s Got Talent Stars as well as delicious food and drink stalls.
After popular 90s dance group K-Klass were announced at the end of last month, the event promises 10-hours of live music, theatre and DJ sets.
Kicking off at 10am on Market Square, Darwen Brass Band are joining the line-up with support from the Preston Handbell Ensemble.
With fairground rides and Ice Glitz Christmas Characters there is also plenty of entertainment for children.
On stage there will be showcases from local talent including the Darwen School of Music, Lancashire Dance Academy, Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, Paul Stuart Dacie and the Darwen Amateur Theatrical Society.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader for Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “Every year, the Darwen Christmas lights switch on event gets bigger and better and what a line-up we have for 2024.
“Building on the huge success of N-Trance last year, we’ve already had a brilliant response to 2024 headliners K Klass and the Christmas party will continue after the lights are switched on with the markets open until 8pm and El Grego (Demented Disco) playing old skool tunes into the early evening.
“We’re encouraging residents to come early and make a day of it – supporting local businesses in the town centre while enjoying all there is to offer with family and friends."
K-Klass are behind some of the biggest house tracks ever made – having worked alongside the likes of Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, Luther Vandross, Candi Staton and many more.
On the night, they’ll be performing their 90s hits ‘Rhythm is a Mystery’ and ‘Let Me Show You’ as well as a classic house DJ set.
Craft Vintage will be running the food and drink stands and providing some gift ideas for the big day.
Owner of Crafty Vintage, Laura Johnson added: “We know just how much people enjoy Darwen’s Christmas lights switch on event, with record crowds turning out last year to enjoy the free festive fun.
“We work really hard throughout the year on the programme, which is always a really good mix of local talent with a strong headliner and this year we’re excited to have K-Klass joining us to switch on the lights.
“With more than 10 hours of festive fun, we’ve tried to make sure there’s something for everyone – keeping the old favourites with lots of new things added too.
“The official countdown to Christmas starts at the Darwen event – we are so looking forward to people enjoying everything we have planned.”
The event is jointly funded by both Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council.
Leader of Darwen Town Council, Councillor Jonathan Hamer, said: “Darwen Town Council is once again proud to be supporting the Christmas lights switch on and what a line-up we are pleased to be announcing today.
“This event is always incredibly popular with Darreners and visitors too with so much going on right through the day 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 the crowds enjoying everything there is to offer right across the town centre.”
Residents are advised to plan their days with guides provides on the Darwen Town Centre Facebook page and website.
Blackburn Christmas light switch on event will take place the following week – November 23rd.
Full line-up:
From 10am – Darwen Market Square:
- Festive Markets
- Preston Handbell Ensemble
- Ice Glitz Christmas characters
- Darwen Brass Band
- Darwen Amateur Theatrical Society
- Fairground rides
From 10am – Darwen Market
- Storytelling with Father Christmas
- Browse the stalls until 4pm
From 10am – Bridge Street
- Christmas Pottery Painting at By Erin Gift Shop
From 2pm – live on stage
- K Klass live PA & DJ set
- Ella Shaw Academy of Arts performing hits from Six
- Jokes with Father Christmas
- Cinderella & Buttons from King George’s Hall panto
- Kiki Deville
- Zoe Taylor Dance Academy
- Darwen School of Music
- Lancashire Dance Academy
- Paul Stuart Davies with Northern Soul hits
- Christmas lights switch-on
- El Grego (Demented Disco) playing old skool hits into the early evening
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