AN INTERNATIONAL pop star has been lined up to be the star guest at Darwen’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Nadine Coyle, of record-breaking chart-topping band Girls Aloud, will flick the switch at the event on Saturday November 17.

The group achieved a string of 20 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK, including four number ones.

Nadine will be performing live along with other entertainers in Darwen Market Square. The event begins at 4.30pm and will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale.

The switch-on is the first event of a busy Christmas Programme which brings Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas market, crafts and children’s entertainment plus a visit from two very real Santa’s reindeer.

Fridays will be festive in Darwen Market, with choirs from Darwen Primary schools performing Christmas carols each week from November 23.

Every Saturday up to Christmas there will be something festive including pop-up stalls in Darwen Market.

There will also be community choirs, dance group Urban Gypsies and Darwen Brass Band.

Following the success of the Christmas Market last December, Darwen Town Council is again bringing festive stalls offering gifts, food and drink on Saturday December 8.

Darwen Rotary will have the annual Santa’s Grotto inside Darwen Market Annexe every Saturday in December and Christmas Eve. Darwen Rotary has also organised a Christmas carol concert in the Market Square on December 22 4pm – 7pm.

Cllr. Phil Riley said: “The eagerly awaited Darwen lights switch-on marks the start of an excellent programme of activity, with something for everyone this Christmas.”

For all the up to date information and full This Christmas in Darwen programme listings, please visit: www.darwentowncentre.co.uk.