Over 12,000 turned out to enjoy the Christmas lights switch-on in Accrington after a year away.

The event on Thursday saw a huge crowd enjoy four-and-a-half hours of entertainment after the pandemic scuppered last year's event.

The evening was headlined by Diva Mix, a Little Mix tribute band, and saw performances from local talent including Claudia Thompson and primary school choirs.

Leader of Hyndburn Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “Wow, what an event! Last year we all missed out on a Christmas lights switch-on, but this has more than made up for it and it really has been a night to remember.

“It’s the first large-scale event and it has been a resounding success to see Accrington amazing again.

“It has also been brilliant to see our local independent shops open and thriving, and I’m sure they will tell you themselves how great this event has been for the town.”

The stage was hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Stephen Lowe, with the night kicking off with local singer-songwriter Claudia, before a collective of 11 school choirs led by Helen Davies, director of music at St Christopher’s school, performed classic Christmas carols.

Also performing were the LED Drummers, the Aladdin pantomime cast, the Ella Shaw Academy before the academy owner and Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Ella Shaw, performed a set.

Chair of Amazing Accrington, Murray Dawson said: “It was great to see everyone back in town and enjoying themselves. Seeing all those happy faces is why we do it.”

Players from the Accrington Stanley men’s and women’s teams were joined on stage by Accrington-born celebrity and former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, for the official countdown, switch on and stunning firework display.

The lights switch-on also saw late night shopping, food and drink stalls and rides and attractions including a free bucking reindeer in Accrington Market.

Manager of the market Sameena King said: “The switch-on was a huge success. It was wonderful to see our beautiful Victorian Market Hall alive last night with thousands of people coming inside to explore the shops and stalls.

“Our traders said they have never seen the market this busy in their lifetime and some of our cafes completely sold out! Seeing families and people of all ages enjoying the space was wonderful.”

Accrington Town Hall held a ‘Christmas at the Town Hall’ event which included a festive indoor market, craft stalls, children’s activities, live entertainment and a Father Christmas experience.

Organised by Amazing Accrington, with Hyndburn Council and Accrington Market, the event was sponsored by North Lancs Training Group (NLTG), Sundown Solutions, Studio Retail Ltd and The EG Group.