PEOPLE have been invited to step back in time at a festive event which ‘will bring the magic back’ to Accrington.

Tomorrow Warner Street will be transported back to the Victorian era to host its Dickensian Christmas event and organisers have predicted 10,000 people will visit, up from 7,000 last year.

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Evonne Harwood, who runs the Pink Magpie Vintage Emporium in Warner Street, has organised the event with Kate Furey, who runs New Freedom, and they are confident it will be a success.

Miss Harwood said: “It’s putting Accrington on the map.

“I’ve had people coming to me talking about how they’re going to be travelling to the event from all over.

“Warner Street historically has been a great place and we’ve got to use that and make use of its facilities.

“Sometimes people say Accrington is struggling but these sort of events give it a real feel good factor.

“It’s about bringing that magic back to Accrington, especially at Christmas.”

A JustGiving page has also been running this year to help support the increased costs of the event.

The page raised almost £600 to go towards the event to cover health and safety issues caused by so many attending, proper stage facilities, extra safety and first aid equipment, extra toilets and a bigger road closure than last year.

The event will feature musicians, street entertainers, an array of market stalls, mulled wine and traditional street food.

There will also be a candle light procession leading to a outdoor nativity play and carol service at St James Church Yard, which will host Victorian Fairground rides.

Miss Harwood said she has been working hard to ensure that the event will be a success and hopes that people will attend in their thousands.

The mother-of-two said: “We’ve been out to almost every house in Hyndburn delivering flyers.

“Local business and shops have been getting involved, it will be a boost for them, and the council has supported us as well.

“It’s not just a little street fair, it’s going to be massive. With it being free it means everybody can get involved.”

Cllr June Harrison, who represents the Barnfield ward where the event will take place, said the festival is a boost to the whole area.

She said: “It’s just lovely, it is going to be a fantastic event hopefully.

“Warner Street is a lovely place and it is a brilliant idea what they are doing, they always do well with these occasions.

“I just hope it goes well, it should be a big success for the area.”