ACCRINGTON’S grand Christmas lights switch-on event will be held on Thursday, November 26, with festive fun planned for the evening show.

There will be live music entertainment from 5.45pm and a fireworks spectacular at 7.40pm.

A stage outside the town hall with guest artists performing, in conjunction with The Bee radio station, include X Factor semi-finalist Misha B, Britain’s Got Talent stars Henry Gallagher and GABZ, former Liberty X singer Kevin Simm, and Matt Fitzgerald, formerly of ReConnected.

The lights will be officially switched on by the mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Marlene Haworth.

There will also be funfair rides and for Christmas shoppers, the town centre’s shops will stay open late.

A European Yuletide gifts and food market will be set up in Broadway, with stalls selling a range of handmade goods, gifts and treats that will run through until Saturday.

Hyndburn Chamber of Trade will run a family fun zone in Blackburn Road from 5.30pm, where attractions will include mascot racing, children’s Christmas fancy dress, gift and charity stalls, children’s entertainment, competitions and a choir.

A family Christmas market will be held in the ballroom at Accrington Town Hall, running from 5pm to 8.30pm, with free entry.

Children can visit elves Dusty and Twinkle to deliver their letter to Santa and make magical reindeer food to take home.

Other attractions include a Christmas cupcake class, a chance to have your photo taken with the Snow Queen, various food and craft stalls, Santa’s sweetie cart and free activities, including festive face painting and glitter tattoos.

Free parking will also be available.

Cllr Clare Cleary, who chairs the Town Team, said: “It’s fantastic that there’s so much going on in Hyndburn this Christmas.

“We hope as many people as possible will come and join in with our festive celebrations and discover everything that Accrington has to offer.”

Posters highlighting the Christmas events and attractions will go up around the town this week, while more than 35,000 specially printed What’s on in Accrington this Christmas leaflets will be distributed to households.