THE countdown to Christmas will begin in earnest this weekend as towns across East Lancashire turn on their festive lights.

In Blackburn, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson will switch on the town’s Christmas light as part of an afternoon of entertainment.

Sam will be holding a meet and greet in The Mall for fans, along with with Beauty and the Beast characters including The Awesome Fairy, Gaston and Bertha from the panto on at King George’s Hall.

As well as a street food festival, the event will come to a conclusion with a with a firework display at after 6.30pm.

There’s also a day of fun promised in Colne, with the fun getting underway at 10am, when the festive market opens.

There’s activities in Colne Market Hall and Colne Library, including free donkey rides by the library.

And for music lovers, there’s performances from Pendle Jazzmen, Pendle Razzamataz Dance Group and Burnley Brass Band.

Then from 5.30pm, the torch parade starts from the Crown Hotel and makes its way to St Bartholemew’s Church and then Hartley Square for the 7pm finale.

Nelson are celebrating Lancashire Day on Saturday, with Britain’s Got Talent stars Ella Shaw and Mr Zip are the guests of honour. The fun starts at 11am in Nelson.

Oswaldtwistle 109 Loyola Scouts group will hold their annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday at Hippings Vale Community Centre, on Harvey Street, from 10am-2pm.

There’s a Santa’s grotto, raffle, tombola and refreshments.

Entry is £1 and you get a raffle ticket for a prize draw.

Rawtenstall Christmas Market also takes place on Saturday. Starting at 10am, there’s a host of performances, including a live nativity and local food stalls including roasted chestnuts from Cowpe Smithy and fabulous food from the Clog Market Streetfood traders plus cakes, chocolates and treats.