Blackburn’s annual Christmas lights switch-on has been moved inside due to the severe weather forecast for Saturday.

The majority of events will now take place inside The Mall.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for much of the country throughout Saturday with Storm Bert expected to bring high-speed winds of up to 60mph plus rain and the chance of snow.

The council said for the safety of all those performing and attending the switch-on, the planned outdoor activities on stage have been moved indoors, where possible.

Blackburn BID Manager, Catherine Price, said: “We’ve been working hard for months on this event to make it the very best it can be with a packed programme to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas here in Blackburn.

“As always, the safety of all our performers and our visitors is our absolute top priority and we are listening to the advice of experts who tell us the outdoor entertainment just can’t go ahead.

“That doesn’t mean we’ve given up though. While we can’t have the official countdown, we’ve been busy moving as much as we can indoors with lots to enjoy right across the town centre, including the spectacular Museum of the Moon at the Cathedral.

“The Christmas lights will be on too so there’s lots to help you all get in the festive spirit while keeping warm and dry.”

Council leader Phil Riley added: “Of course, we’re hardy to the rain and cold here in Blackburn with Darwen and we don’t take decisions like this lightly.

“But, as Catherine has said, safety really is the priority, and the advice is that there can’t be a stage at tomorrow’s event due to the expected high wind speeds.

“As ever, we’ve rolled up our sleeves though and worked hard to do all we can to move things indoors, with lots to enjoy right across the town centre.

“And it’s just the start too with so much planned between now and Christmas and into the New Year.”

This year’s Circus of the Moon event is inspired by the spectacular Museum of the Moon which you can see for free at Blackburn Cathedral right throughout the day and up until 8pm.

What’s in store:
•    The chance to meet Groot and Star Lord from Guardians of The Galaxy in The Mall Blackburn – perfect for any Marvel fans
•    Free circus workshops also in The Mall – these are guaranteed to put a clown-sized smile on your face!
•    Impressive circus performers at The Cathedral with The Moon and in The Mall – always a hit with the kids (…big and little!)
•    Live DJ playing your festive favourites – again, this will now be in Victoria Court in The Mall
•    Silly Space Stories and Moon Tales in Blackburn Market, Blackburn Library and The Mall with the fantastic team from Culturapedia
•    A performed reading of the H.G. Wells classic ‘The First Men in the Moon’ at Blackburn Museum - celebrating its 150th year in 2024
•    The brand-new monthly pop-up street market at The Bureau with quirky gift ideas and delicious festive food and drink
•    Live music throughout the evening with Blackburn Gigs at both The Firepit and The Bureau too

You can check out a full guide and more information at www.discoverblackburn.co.uk