Dance music icon set for Darwen Christmas lights switch on

The annual event draws huge crowds descend to Darwen Market Square for  more than 10 hours of festive fun for all the family.

Kelly - the singing sensation behind dance anthems ‘Heart of Gold’ and ‘True Love Never Dies’ – will be the main attraction for the lights switch on Saturday, November 15.

This year’s event hopes to build on the huge success of last year’s record-breaking celebration which saw K-Klass headline.

This year’s top of the festive bill Kelly first shot to fame in the 90s as the lead singer of N-Trance, providing the vocals for their smash hit ‘Set You Free’.

She then went on to launch a successful solo career with chart-toppers including Tell It to My Heart and This Time I Know it’s for Real.

Fresh from an arena tour with Clubland, Kelly will lead the countdown to the big lights switch-on – rounding off a full day of live performances, festive markets, fairground rides, and a special visit from Father Christmas.

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Every year, the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on draws huge crowds, and this year promises to be no different.

“Running from 10am right through to the early evening, the event offers something for everyone – making it a perfect way for families and friends to start off the festive season together.

“We’re especially excited to welcome Kelly Llorenna as our headline act, leading a packed programme of entertainment both on stage and in the Market Square and Darwen Market too.

“This celebration is also a great chance to shine a spotlight on our town centre, supporting our market traders and our brilliant independent businesses.

“More details will be revealed in the coming weeks, so make sure the date is in your diary – it’ll be a festive day not to be missed.”

Laura Johnson, owner of event organiser Crafty Vintage, said: “We know just how popular the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on event is – people look forward to it every single year and the drone picture of the crowds last year was just incredible.

“This year, we’re excited to announce Kelly Llorenna as our headliner with a packed line-up of local talent, too.”

The event is jointly funded by both Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council.