TRADERS and business leaders have welcomed two Christmas events to be held in Accrington in December.

Shoppers in the town centre will be treated to free food and drink, choral performances, fairground rides, and live entertainment.

In a bid to create a ‘traditional, vibrant, entertaining shopping experience’, Hyndburn’s Chamber of Trade has organised activities for the last two Saturdays before Christmas.

On December 13, shoppers will be given free mulled wine or hot drink, free mince pies, roast chestnuts, and potatoes.

St Christopher’s choir and jazz band will play, while Captain Custard and his face-painters will also be visiting.

A Chamber of Trade spokesman said: “There will also be the Christmas cabins on Broadway selling a wide variety of Christmas gifts, from revival mod accessories to funky slippers.”

And on December 20, Accrington Pipe Band will perform, while ‘Uncle Brian’ will provide live entertainment.

The spokesman added: “Throughout the Christmas period there will be additional activities taking place in the Arndale Centre, and also in the Market Hall where Father Christmas will be in his motto.”

Annmarie Goodwin has owned fashion accessory and gift shop, C’Quinz, in Blackburn Road for around 12 months.

She said: “The town centre needs a bit of entertainment coming up to Christmas and, at the front of the Market Hall, there should be more going on there as well.

“It always seems to be around the other side, and this side is really quiet.”

Annmarie said she plans to print gift vouchers for Christmas, and saw an increase in footfall after offering Hallowe’en-themed contact lenses.

And chair of the Accrington Town Team, councillor Clare Cleary said: “I think it’s fantastic. I’m really pleased the Chamber of Trade is getting involved. We are being supportive but all the ideas have come from them really. It will be a nice traditional Christmas.”

This year’s Christmas lights in Accrington will be switched on on Thursday, November 27, with Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall lined up to perform before flicking the switch.

Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh was approached but was unable to make the switch-on because she is performing in London.