Yahoo News Aerial pics show thousands in Lancashire town as iconic dance music act headline Xmas lights switch-on
Aerial photos showed thousands of people heading to Darwen as an iconic dance act headlines the Christmas lights switch-on.
There was an "amazing turnout" for the annual festive event on Saturday with thousands of families making the most of the entertainment. Manchester-based K-Klass performed some of their biggest hits as the headline act with Blackburn photographer Dan Conway snapping some incredible images from above the crowds.
Fairground rides, festive markets and a pantomime performance were packed into the market square with Darwen Brass Band, Darwen Amateur Theatrical Society and Zoe Taylor Dance Academy also entertaining the crowds.
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One visitor said: "It was a great night in the Market Square Darwen for the Christmas lights turn on. It was so nice to see the young and the old enjoying the show and the rain did not put anyone off or spoil the evening."
Another added: "A good night last night, had a laugh and enjoyed quality family our loved ones with some amazing classics from K-Klass."
Other Lancashire towns are set to switch on their lights with all the details below
Friday November 22 - Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston
Between 3pm and 5pm youngsters will be able to meet Mickey Mouse and the Grinch who will switch on the lights at 4pm. There will also be games, prizes, and sing-alongs to your favourite Christmas tunes.
Saturday November 23 - Blackburn
This year's event will be called ‘Circus of The Moon’ and will feature light projections, circus performers, workshops, live music and markets and a captivating stage show. Visitors will also have free access to The Museum of the Moon at Blackburn Cathedral.
The lights will be turned on in a Light Launch Sequence featuring a special performance by Pop Up Global and the night will end with a breath-taking laser light show after the big switch-on of the town's dazzling Christmas display.
Straight after the Switch-On, head back to The Bureau for an evening of jazz, soul and folk with singer/songwriters Jack Watkins, Jacob Reddy, John Witherspoon and guests from 7pm to 10.30pm.
Saturday November 23 - Nelson
The switch-on will be headlined by platinum-selling DJ TeeDee - a UK Top 10 artist with over 300 million song plays and collaborations with Bugzy Malone and Vybz Kartel.
Events will take place throughout the town centre from 1pm until 7pm.
Saturday November 23 - Preston
This year's line-up includes legendary band The Drifters, 'Clubland Reborn', America's Got Talent's 'Ryland Petty', 'Do It Like Dua', 'Heatwave's - Roy Carter', Preston's 'Kimberley Fox'', 'Halfmark', and Corrie favourite 'Mikey North' (AKA Gary Windass).
There's free parking at Lancashire County Council's Arthur Street car park, and all UCLan city centre car parks from 12pm on Switch On day, 23 November. With Preston City Council's Trinity Street Car Park and Penny Street Car Park being free from 1pm.
Sunday November 24 - Lancaster
Live music will feature ‘The Ultimate Dua Lipa’ and ‘Rule the world’ as well as fantastic local band ‘The Howling Clowns’.
Other local performers will include ‘C&C Entertainments’ and lots of young talent taking to the stage. There will also be the CancerCare Santa Dash, a full set of musical talent and the magical light switch-on.
Sunday November 24 - Ormskirk
Festivities on offer between 11am and 6pm include Ormskirk School singers, Showbiz Dance, fairground rides, street entertainers, live music, food & drink stalls, Ormskirk Rock Choir and a bar
The lights will be turned on at 5pm.
Thursday November 28 - Accrington
Spandau Ballet star, Martin Kemp, will headline this year with the actor and singer both singing and performing a DJ set as part of his extremely popular Back to the Eighties show.
Festivities will run from 4pm until 8pm.
Saturday November 30 - Leyland
Leyland will welcome Coronation Street and Benidorm star Tony Maudsley, along with Nathan Moore of Brother Beyond to do the honours of turning the Christmas lights on.
The event will start at 12 noon with market stalls, children's attractions, street food, live music and entertainment on stage from 3pm followed by the main event taking place at 5.30pm.
Saturday November 30 - St Annes
Activities will be on offer between 3.50pm and 6pm at St Annes Road West car park. The event will be hosted by Emma-Louise Jackson and Kerry Rogers.
Thursday December 5 - Holmes Mill, Clitheroe
Holmes Mill are hosting their annual Christmas markets alongside the Christmas light switch on. The Christmas markets in The Bar & Grill will be open from 3pm-8pm and the Christmas lights switch on event will start with live music in the Mill Yard from 5pm, while the switch on itself will be at 7pm.
