The countdown to Christmas has officially begun.
Crowds packed Blackburn Town Centre for the traditional festive light switch on, with the honour this year going to AJ Odudu.
A stage was put up outside the town hall and there was a party atmosphere with songs and dancing.
Dancers from Pop Up Entertainment opened the show with popular songs and a performance.
AJ Odudu started the countdown with the crowd as the lights switched on along with a stunning firework display.
The Strictly Come Dancing star was swaying along to the music and looked happier than ever in her hometown.
Speaking to the crowd, she said: “This is brilliant, thank you so much. It’s so beautiful to be back in my hometown of Blackburn. It’s even better to see all of your gorgeous smiling faces even in this beautiful cold weather.
“It’s so surreal. I remember when Atomic Kitten switched on the Christmas Lights in Blackburn. This feels like a real full-circle moment. It’s amazing – and it’s packed!”
AJ with mum Florence at the Town Hall
BBC Radio Lancashire presenters Nish Hindocha and Sharon Hartley hosted the event and thanked families for being there amid the cold weather.
Saima Afzal (above right) was at the free event with her nephew. She said: “It was absolutely amazing.
“I came down with my nephew and we didn’t expect the singing and dancing, but it was so good to see it and the town coming together.
“Of course, even though I'm a Muslim I still celebrate Christmas and love all the festivities.
"It was still amazing and we loved every bit of it, it was a wonderful night.”
An ‘elf’ in the crowd said the show was the best way to come to the end of November.
She said: “It was so amazing and really lovely to kick off the season with such a lively way.
“It’s so great seeing Blackburn come together as well after all this time.
“The singing and dancing were really good, and I could see everyone was enjoying it.”
The Darwen Brass Band were on first as people filed into the stage area.
On the same day, Santa Claus opened his Christmas Toy Emporium in The Mall Blackburn making it a day full of Christmas spirit.
Sam Henley and her daughter were braving the cold in their winter hats as they stood outside.
Sam said: “It’s cold but we wanted to come and see the show, and it was worth it.
“The brass band, the dancers, they clearly put a lot of effort into those routines and could all sing really well.
“I think this is what Blackburn needed, some festive spirit.”
AJ with the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Suleman Khonat and daughter Mayoress Mrs Sumayya Mayat
The Blackburn Glitter Ball was organised by Blackburn BID, in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and The Mall Blackburn
Catherine Price, Blackburn Town Centre BID manager, said: “It was an incredible event and amazing to see Blackburn town centre come alive with thousands of people filling King William Street. I’d like to thank AJ for being our special guest, she was brilliant with the crowds and did a fantastic job of switching on our beautiful Christmas lights.
“I’d also like to thank all our performers throughout the event - Blackburn is filled with amazing, talented people and I’m so pleased we were able to showcase them on stage.”
On Friday 2 December, Blackburn BID launches its Blackburn Christmas Gingerbread trail around the town centre, with trail maps available from the Ask Me Point in the Mall. It will run until 31 December.
On Saturday 17 December, the Blackburn Festival of Light parade will return. The annual light parade through the town centre will feature amazing community-created lanterns, performers, musicians and light art sculptures.
This year there will also be a light up shop window trail and light installations around the town centre on Friday 16 December as well as event night.
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