MORE than a thousand people packed into Darwen’s market square to see the town’s Christmas lights turned on.

TV's Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) winner Jai McDowall was the main attraction on Saturday evening, headlining more than two hours of live music before the decorations took centre stage.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Cllr Alan Cottam, mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said: “It was a tremendous event and people really packed into the square.

“There were food stalls and fireworks and I was really impressed by all the youngsters that performed. I’m at the older end of the councillor gang but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.”

The entertainment kicked off at 4pm, with a performance from Manchester group, The Renegade Girls, who Tweeted afterwards: “Darwen, you were amazing! Loved playing for you!”

Lancashire Telegraph:

They were followed by Goodnight April, another Manchester band, Lytham singer Hana Joy, Blackpool girl band Tiger Heart and Exposure, along with various former BGT and X Factor contestants, including Bailey McConnell, Janet Devlin, James Smith and Harry Mondryck.

McDowall, who won the ITV talent show in 2011, having previously appeared on the X Factor, took the headline slot just after 6pm.

Earlier in the day, disabled youngsters decorated the Christmas tree in the market hall, in an annual event organised by fundraiser Caitlin Jones. They were then treated to a cooked breakfast at The Bridgewater pub.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Cllr Trevor Maxfield, mayor of Darwen Town Council, said: “It was an excellent turnout and it went really well. The music wasn’t really my cup of tea but the crowd definitely enjoyed it. I thinkDarwen can feel really proud of its Christmas lights after this.”