More than 12,000 people attended the #AmazingAccrington Christmas light switch on which brought in more than £150,000 into the economy.

The event headlined by TikTok star Junior Andre and Emmerdale’s ‘Paddy’ took place on November 23, and saw performances from local artists and groups.

Research conducted shows that the average spend per survey respondent was £12.77 per head.

With an estimated 12,000 visitors, this represents more £153,240 back into the economy, which included local businesses and market traders.

Cllr Marlene Haworth, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “The Christmas Light Switch On was simply amazing.

"The town was absolutely packed and it was an honour to sponsor and a privilege to witness such an incredible event.

“With 12,000 visitors and the spend figures mentioned, we can estimate that just this one event has put over £150,000 back into the economy, which is fantastic news.”

Sameena King, market manager at Accrington Market, said: “We can’t believe how many people we had in the town, inside the market and all on the outside stalls, they were all crazy busy. #AmazingAccrington have done it again!”

The research showed that 98 per cent of visitors surveyed had come along as a family, with the others being individuals or groups of friends.

Murray Dawson, chair of Amazing Accrington, said: “We wanted to go even bigger and better for this year’s Christmas Light Switch On and we delivered.

“We introduced a big screen on the main stage and we had so many incredible acts on the main stage, which went down extremely well with our visitors… everyone was talking about it!”

Victoria Tindall, business and marketing coordinator at Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “Well done to the #AmazingAccrington team for another amazing event.

"Christmas really has started in style here in Accrington! The event also went viral on social media with more than one million impressions and more than 250,000 engagements.”

The 2023 Accrington Christmas light switch on was sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, North Lancs Training Group, Sundown Solutions, Prosperity Children’s Services and Financial Affairs.