BLACKBURN’S X Factor singing star Grace Davies will switch on the town’s Christmas lights.

The 21-year-old who made the ITV talent contest finals last year will sing on King William Street in front of the town hall as the highlight of the two-hour extravaganza of live music and fireworks.

The Langho singer, who once worked as a barmaid at the Feildens Arms, Blackburn, will flick the switch for the light display as the centrepiece of the entertainment on Saturday, November 24.

Lancashire Telegraph: Blackburn's X Factor contestant Grace Davies rolled into town today as part of her tour. Grace plays to hundreds in Cathedral Quarter supported by judge Sharon Osborne.  Picture by Paul Heyes, Wednesday November 29 2017.

Grace said: “I’m so excited to be performing at the Blackburn Christmas Lights switch-on this year.

“I don’t get many chances to go home as I’m so busy in London working on my album, so it’s fab to be invited back to do such a lovely event in my hometown.

“I can’t wait to see everyone again and get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

The former warehouse-worker and Feniscowles schoolgirl last performed in Blackburn town centre a year ago before the X Factor finals in which she was runner-up.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Her appearance in the town, between writing and recording a new album and live shows, marks a tuneful double for the borough council as Nadine Coyle, of chart-topping band Girls Aloud, will switch on Darwen’s Christmas Lights this Saturday at a similar event starting at 4.30pm.

Now signed to Simon Cowell’s record label SYCO Music, Grace said she was delighted to be headlining the free event in her home town hosted by Rock FM’s Steve and Janine.

She will switch the lights on a week on Saturday accompanied by a fireworks display to mark the official start of Blackburn’s festive celebrations which include a four-week German Christmas Market on Cathedral Square.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Grace will be in The Mall for a meet and greet with fans from 4pm before she goes on stage. The Christmas lights show starts at 4.30pm with Grace flicking the switch at 6.30pm.

Cllr Phil Riley said: “We are really pleased. Grace wowed the crowds when she came last year. This promises to be a great start to the festive season.”

Loraine Jones, general manager of The Mall, said: “We are really excited to have Grace coming into the Mall to meet fans before the big performance.”

The Mall will stay open until 7pm for the switch-on to mark the beginning of late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday.

Lancashire Telegraph: Nadine Coyle