FLOPSTARS The Cheeky Girls are set to help flick a switch to turn on the festive lights and kick-start Blackburn's Christmas shopping extravaganza.

The twins will take part in a night of free entertainment designed to give traders the best possible start to Christmas.

Sarah Whatmore, who was knocked out before the final of Pop Idol, will be singing her hit single 'When I Lost You,' while the Cheeky Girls, who grabbed the nation's attention with their audition on ITV's Popstars: The Rivals, will also be performing after signing a record deal with Warner.

Blackburn Rovers football players and DJs from Preston-based Rock FM will also be there on Thursday, November 21.

Atomic Kittens' support group, Third Base, will also sing, along with rapper Sherlock.

Graham Burgess, executive director for regeneration at the council, said: "Blackburn with Darwen's town centre programme will ensure that visitors can enjoy the festive entertainment on offer as well as explore some of the region's best shops and services."

Several attractions from last year also return, including the Victorian fun fair, Punch and Judy street theatre, children's entertainment, competitions, giveaways and Simon Entwistle's ghost walks.

And back by popular demand at Blackburn Market is Father Christmas and his Magical Grotto starring Teddy Bear, the Shetland pony who thinks he's a reindeer.

Late night shopping evenings with free parking will be included while brass bands, music and song, a carol concert plus fireworks and a lantern parade will help draw in visitors over Christmas.