Full line-ups & timings for the two Lancashire Christmas Lights Switch On events this weekend
Two of Lancashire’s highly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch On’s take place this weekend and below is everything you need to know.
It may only be November but if you’re ready to get in the festive spirit then Lancashire is more than ready for you with two Christmas Lights Switch On’s taking place this weekend and thankfully you can attend both!
The first festive event is over in Darwen on Saturday, November 15 and then the following day it’s Chorley’s time to shine with his lights switch on taking place on Sunday, November 16.
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On, jointly funded by both Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council, takes place on Darwen Market Square this Saturday.
What can we expect on the day?
Dance music icon Kelly Llorenna – the singing sensation behind dance anthems ‘Heart of Gold’ and ‘True Love Never Dies’ – will be the main attraction for the lights switch on.
Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle is also part of the packed programme for the main stage along with Father Christmas and singers from Darwen School of Music’s Begin2Sing, who will perform their brand-new single celebrating the town.
The festivities kick off at 10am, with activities spanning Market Square, Darwen Market, and the main stage.
Visitors can enjoy the return of the festive markets, food stalls, Ice Glitz Christmas characters, and fairground rides.
The day will begin with a performance from Darwen Brass Band, followed by The Preston Handbell Ensemble and the ever-popular Christmas storytelling sessions.
From 2pm, Kiki Deville will lead a packed programme on the main stage including talented pupils from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, the Lancashire Dance Academy, and Darwen School of Music.
Just before the countdown to the big switch-on, Kelly Llorenna will take to the stage, with DJ Sam Flannagan keeping the Christmas party going once the lights are on.
What has been said about the event?
Cllr Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Every year, the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on draws huge crowds, and this year promises to be no different.
“Running from 10am right through to the early evening, the event offers something for everyone – making it a perfect way for families and friends to start off the festive season together.
“We’re especially excited to welcome Kelly Llorenna as our headline act, leading a packed programme of entertainment both on stage and in the Market Square and Darwen Market too.
“This celebration is also a great chance to shine a spotlight on our town centre, supporting our market traders and our brilliant independent businesses.”
Laura Johnson, owner of event organiser Crafty Vintage added: “We know just how popular the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on event is – people look forward to it every single year and the drone picture of the crowds last year was just incredible.
“This year, we’re excited to announce Kelly Llorenna as our headliner with a packed line-up of local talent too.”
Do I need to buy tickets?
No, you do not need to buy tickets for the main Darwen Christmas lights switch-on event, as it is a free event.
Chorley Christmas Lights Switch On
Chorley Christmas Lights Switch On, sponsored by Chorley Eats and Lockdown Kitchen & Bar, takes place on Sunday, November 16.
What can we expect on the day?
Vicar, Author, and TV star, the Reverend Richard Coles will be doing the honours of turning Chorley’s Christmas lights on for 2025, joined on stage by representatives from Chorley FC.
Although hailing from Northampton, 63-year-old Richard has close ties with Chorley as his late partner David Odham, who sadly passed away in 2019, had family who lived there - in fact, David’s brother was Victor the Magpie at Chorley FC.
The former member of The Communards even gave a shout out to Chorley FC whilst on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here last year.
The main event will also follow a fantastic line-up of performances on the Market Street stage hosted by Graham Liver from BBC Radio Lancashire.
The full event schedule is as follows:
- 10am - 6pm: Totally Locally Chorley Christmas Market. Over 50 local stalls with gifts, artisan drinks, street food, crafts and more, free childrens facepainting, craft workshops and an opportunity to meet Santa and the Grinch.
- 10am - 3pm: some of the Perimeter stalls on Chorley’s covered market will be open with the 1498 Food and Drink area open until 6pm.
- 1pm: Entertainment on the Market Street stage begins hosted by Graham Liver from BBC Radio Lancashire. 1pm to 1:45pm: Chorley Inspire Youth Zone. 2pm to 2:30pm: Singitbig Choir. 2:35pm to 3pm: JSK Dance. 3pm to 3:45pm: Ryan & Craig. 4pm to 4:45pm: Josh Hindle as Bublé
- 4:45pm: Interviews with special guests
- 5:00pm: Christmas Lights Switch On. The Reverend Richard Coles, accompanied on stage by representatives from Chorley FC to join in the festivities.
What has been said about the switch on?
Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council said: “We’re looking forward to once again bringing a range of festive events and activities to Chorley for people to enjoy this Christmas.
“Thanks to Chorley FC, we’ve been able to secure a fantastic well-known special guest for the Christmas Lights Switch On which is always enjoyed by thousands that attend the event.
“The popular Pantomime, Santa’s Grotto and Winter Wonderland will also be back in Chorley this Christmas which bring many visitors to the town which in turn supports our fabulous local businesses and attractions and an opportunity to show people what Chorley has to offer.”
Do I need to buy tickets?
No! The event is free, just turn up.
You won’t even have to pay for car parking as allof the town centre car parks are free on Sundays, except for the Flat Iron car park.
For those driving to the event, there are important road closures to be aware of:
- Market Street will be closed from 6:00am - 10:00pm on Sunday 16 November at the junction from High Street down to the junction with St George's Street.
- High Street will be closed from the junction at Cleveland Street to the Junction at New Market Street.
The council also asks you to not park in these areas overnight on Saturday, November 15.