TOWN hall bosses in Blackburn and Darwen have defended the small scale of their Millennium Eve celebrations compared to other towns and cities in the North.

While Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool will be staging large scale events for thousands of people, Blackburn and Darwen's celebrations will involve only two five-minute firework displays and a beacon lighting ceremony in the grounds of the Cathedral.

Council chiefs are refusing to reveal the location of the two £5,500 displays - saying only that they will be visible to all over the skies of the borough.

Coun Malcolm Doherty, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "We were advised by the emergency services that because of the cramped nature of the town centre it would be unwise to stage an event which would involve large gatherings of people.

"We took that advice and decided to stage events spread out through the year as part of Festival 2000 which will be the biggest, brightest and most colourful celebration in the borough's history and one of the major events on the calendar for the whole of the North West.

"We believe our millennium eve celebrations match if not better the celebrations which are being staged in other towns across the North West."

No major events being staged in Burnley, Accrington or anywhere else in East Lancashire but elsewhere in the North and North West plans are as follows:

Manchester: An event for 20,000 people at the Castlefield Arena with video screens and fireworks headlined by Ian Brown, formerly of the Stone Roses.

Leeds: A ring of bonfire beacons encircling the city and a worship and praise event with mime, choirs, mime, poetry and drama.

Liverpool: Street entertainment and funfair at St George's Plateau and Cream 2000 event for 30,000 featuring DJs Fat Boy Slim, Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold and Sasha as well as bands Orbital, Space the Lightening Seeds and the Stereophonics.

Lancaster: A special beacon lighting and bell ringing ceremony to mark the new year at the Priory Churchyard at midnight.

Blackpool: Countdown, fireworks and millennium illuminations at Talbot Square and on the Promenade.

Sheffield: Street entertainment, disco and firework display in the city centre.

Bolton: Firework display in the town centre at midnight.

Preston: Large public gathering on the Flag Market with a countdown to midnight

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