WHEN Thwaites’ famous star is switched on as night falls on Saturday, it will shine over Blackburn from a new spot.

Instead of being located on roof of the brewery tower, it will twinkle from the roof of the 15-storey office block attached to the Town Hall.

The decision to give the star a new home follows weeks of talks between Thwaites and Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses.

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Changes at Thwaites brewery, preparing for its 2018 move to the Ribble Valley, meant it was impossible give the decoration its usual place at the top of its own tower.

So the company gifted it to the borough so the 35-year-old tradition could be saved.

The council decided to give the star centre stage on top of its own ‘Town Hall Tower Block’.

The star will light up on this Saturday before the annual Christmas lantern parade to the Cathedral sets off from Ainsworth Street at 4pm including the Thwaites shire horses.

It will end with a fireworks display and the Lancashire Telegraph Carol Service.

Rick Bailey, Thwaites chief executive, said: “We know the star has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations in Blackburn, so when we knew we would not be able to erect it this year we wanted to gift it to the town.

“We are delighted the council has worked with us to find it a new home.

“We now hope our star will help light up the town for Christmas for many years to come.”

Cllr Mohammed Khan, borough council leader, said: “The star is iconic.

“We were of course keen to step in and save such as cherished Christmas tradition and we will act as guardians of it for future generations.

“Our tower block offers a good vantage point.”

Believed to have been bought from Blackpool Illuminations, the star was installed because the complex was called the ‘Star Brewery’.

Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade president Tony Duckworth said: “I am pleased the Star is going to be saved.

“It has been a festive landmark for decades.”