PEOPLE across Lancashire will gather to see their towns' Christmas displays lit up. Find out what's happening where and when.

Blackburn, Thursday, November 24


Peppa Pig

Blackburn town centre will be ‘peppered’ with Xmas spirit at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on because kids TV star Peppa Pig is the guest of honour.

The event, taking place on King William Street from 5.30pm-7pm, will see a show packed full of performances as well as a fantastic fireworks display.

This year’s switch on – which will also launch the town’s late night shopping - will be delivered in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, The Mall and The Bee Radio.

Prior to switching on the lights, Peppa will also be making a guest appearance in The Mall at around 4.30pm and will return after the switch-on for children to meet her in person between 7.30pm and 8pm.

Chorley, Thursday, November 24

Chorley X Factor finalist, Jonjo Kerr, is to sing and help to light up his hometown.

1980’s chart-topping, pop group, Black Lace – famous for the hit Agadoo - will also be performing to get Chorley’s Christmas party well and truly started.

Both acts will join local performers and Coronation Street’s Ryan Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw, on the Chorley town centre stage from 6pm.

BBC Radio Lancashire will host live performances from Jonjo Kerr, Black Lace, local bands, entertainers plus a special preview of Chorley Little Theatre's Christmas pantomime on the main stage.

The community parade will depart from the courtyard at St George’s Church on St George’s Street at 6pm with anyone who wants to take part asked to be there no later than 5.45pm.

Details on how to make a banner for the parade are in the Christmas leaflets, which are available from the Chorley Council’s offices on Union Street, Chorley Town Hall and Malcolm’s Musicland on Chapel Street.

Then at 7pm, Jonjo will join Coronation Street’s Jason Grimshaw to start the countdown and pull the lever that will light up Chorley town centre.

Parking on the council car parks is free after 3pm that day and then every day in the run up to Christmas.

Nelson, Saturday, November 26


Granny Turismo

Nelson's Christmas lights switch-on comes at the end of a day-long celebration of Lancashire Day.

It'll be a day packed with free events and entertainment to celebrate our Lancashire heritage.

3.15pm & 5.30pm Nelson Brass Band
4.15pm Band play modern Christmas songs
5.50pm Countdown to lights switch-on
6.00pm Switch-on and Granny Turismo
6.05pm Nelson brass band.

Rawtenstall, Sunday, November 27

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4pm with programme of events on Bank Street throughout the day.

Stalls, entertainment, craft, food and drink will be around on the day, to help get you in the Christmassy spirit.

The market will also be open and Rossendale Radio will be around all day to keep you entertained.

There will also be a Santa Dash for Rossendale Hospice, with entrants running from the Play Golf Academy through Marl Pits down Newchurch Road and ending at Bank Street car park.

Whitworth, Sunday, November 27

Members of the public are encouraged to arrive at the Riverside in Market Street from 5.30pm; proceedings start at 6pm when the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band will play a selection of festive tunes, and there may even be an appearance from a certain 'man in a red suit'.

Then everyone will gather outside the hall to see the lights officially switched on by the Mayors of Whitworth and Rossendale, and Rossendale's Mini-Mayor, Whitworth's own Carl Ashworth, with the help of the lucky winners of the Town Council's schools colouring competition.

The Riverside will be serving mulled wine and a mince pie for £1 for the adults, with kid's refreshments also available.

Father Christmas will be issuing sweets to the children, 2012 Whitworth calendars will be on sale and ducks will be available to sponsor for the New Year's Day Duck Race, and Real Event Photos will be on hand to take festive family portraits.

The evening is expected to finish around 7.00pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Huncoat, Monday, November 28

The switch-on is at Altham Lane Corner at 6.30pm.

Clayton-le-Moors, Tuesday, November 29

Residents are invited to an event at the Hare and Hounds at 4pm and also Barnes Square at 6.30pm.

Milnshaw, Thursday, December 1

The switch-on is at Dyke Nook Gardens at 6.30pm.

Great Harwood, Friday, December 2

The lights are to be switched on at Towngate Square on at 6.30pm.

Rishton, Monday December 5

The celebrations will be at the Civic Centre at 6.30pm.

Oswaldtwistle, Wednesday, December 7

The switch-on is at Jubilee Gardens at 6.30pm.

Church, Thursday, December 8

The event takes place at Manor Street Gardens on 6pm.