THOUSANDS of people are expected to come along to a Christmas event which will 'secure the legacy' of a town stalwart who died earlier this year.

'An Accrington Christmas' will be held on Warner Street on Thursday from 4pm until 8pm.

The last two years have seen a festive Dickensian Night held on the street which had been organised primarily by Evonne Harwood.

However the community stalwart and shop owner in Warner Street, who also organised a bank holiday seaside event on the street, died in April this year age 55.

The Accrington Carnival Committee, headed by Gayle Knight, has stepped in to make sure a festive event goes ahead in the town this year.

Kathryn Furey, who helped organised the previous events with Evonne, said it is great to see something will be going ahead again.

She said: "It's nice, it's Christmas and it's a great chance for people to go out with their families and do something nice.

"There is only really the lights switch-on in Accrington.

"It is so lovely someone has stepped in to take it over and it has secured that legacy.

"Evonne would be so proud something is going ahead.

"I've been thinking about her a lot recently, especially in the last few days.

"She would be so pleased something is carrying on, it's brilliant."

Around 7,000 people attended in each of the past two years for the festive fun.

This years event will feature late night shopping opportunities, food stalls, fairground rides, carols and a performance from the Accrington pipe band.

Local schools will also be performing traditional Christmas songs at St James Church in Accrington as part of the event

A traditional Santa's grotto and a snow machine will also be on offer to add to the festive spirit.

Organisers are hopeful the event will be a success in the town.

Trever Adams, part of the organising committee, said: "There are not many events that are totally free these days.

"Good weather is on the wish list.

"The past two years it has been shown by lovely locals how popular these events have been.

"We’re excited with all the plans for the Warner St event."

The event is free and everyone is welcome.