BURNLEY'S official start to Christmas came from a slightly different perspective in 2016 - in more ways than one.

For the first time in a generation, the festive show was shifted from the now-removed bandstand, in St James Street, to a more central location.

And in another break with tradition, the festivities were extended over two days to generate a real Yuletide buzz.

Ice carving was the name of the game on Saturday in Charter Walk, with Glacial Arts fashioning everything from the usual Santa, reindeer and snowflakes, from mini 'bergs' to the more esoteric Yoda, troll and Olaf from Frozen offerings.

Each of the 10 sculptures featured spelled out a well-known festive phrase, which people could then use for a free prize draw. A caricaturist was also on hand to capture people's oddities, with a face painter drafted in to add a spot of extra colour.

Actors from Burnley Youth Theatre were able to showcase their festive production of Wizard of Oz on the newly-paved section of St James Street, from Fleet Walk to Coal Street.

Performers from It's My Party were also on hand, alongside Father Christmas, to deliver the lights switch-on, followed by a fireworks display.

Space-age crusaders from the UK Spectre Squad also carried out a charity collection for Pendleside Hospice.

Town centre shoppers also took advantage of a market and craft fair, supported by Burnley Market, in Curzon Street.

Catherine Price, the town centre manager, said: "This year we were focused on festive fun for all the family, with attractions all round the town centre."

Dylan Johnson, 38, from Rosegrove, who was attending the festivities with two-year-old daughter Amy, said: "They've pulled out all the stops this year and the little one is made up."

Santa Claus will return for 'big gift giveaways' on November 26 and December 3 and 10m with a reindeer parade also featuring the North Pole's favourite son on Sunday, November 27.

Plans have also been announced to allow shoppers to use the town centre car parks for free on late-night Thursday shopping until December 22.