Promoters of today's Blackburn town centre Christmas lights switch-on are hoping their celebrations are beyond stratospheric.

Working with the celebrated Museum of the Moon attraction at Blackburn Cathedral, the annual event has a distinctive lunar theme for 2024.

Live acts around the town centre - a 'Circus of the Moon' will culminate in a laser light show and a performance by Pop-Up Global to initiate the 'launch sequence'.

Roaming circus specialists will brighten up the streets beforehand, as well as hosting skills workshops.

And outside the town hall there will be a celebration of local talent including the Lancashire Dance Academy, Zoe Taylor Dance, Bernese Theatre School, Blackburn Musical Theatre Company, Katrina’s Dance and Arts Academy, and Made For Stage.

A new monthly pop-up vintage and art market will return – this time at the The Bureau Centre for the Arts in Exchange Street - from 11am to 4pm.

The same venue will host a triple-header music showcase from 7pm, featuring singer-songwriters Jack Watkins, Jacob Reddy and John Witherspoon as part of the Blackburn Gigs initiative.

Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon installation will continue at the cathedral, with free entry.

Meanwhile Blackburn Mall will welcome sci-fi characters Star-Lord and Groot for picture opportunities.

Blackburn Museum and Blackburn Market will host Silly Space Stories with Gav Cross. The museum will also stage a reading of H G Wells Edwardian classic The First Men In The Moon with Gav at 4pm.

Switch-on hosts will be Aleeza Isa and Aisha Hussain, from One Voice Blackburn, with the event organised by Blackburn BID (Business Improvement District) , backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID manager, said: "This event will transform Blackburn town centre with light, sound, and performances that will create a unique atmosphere."

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, borough deputy leader, added: "I can’t wait to see the team’s hard work come together and look forward to seeing plenty of you there."