BLACKBURN'S BIG CHRISTMAS

29th October 2018

Bumper Festive Calendar with Christmas Market, Parades and Dashing Santas

Blackburn with Darwen Council in partnership with Blackburn BID have announced a packed programme of festive fun for Christmas 2018 kicking off with the Christmas Lights’ Switch On Show on Saturday 24th November 2018.

Blackburn’s BIG Christmas, sees a Christmas Market take over Cathedral Square stuffed with food, drink and entertainment. The four-week market will bring traditional log cabins to the new event space behind the Cathedral and will be open 7 days a week from Thursday 29th November. It’s the first time Blackburn has hosted this style of market which will also see late night openings from Thursday and into the weekend for visitors to enjoy some warming Christmas evening fun.

Other highlights include:
The Blackburn Christmas Parade with magical princes and princesses, mischievous elves, giant stilt walkers and, of course, an appearance from the main man himself, Father Christmas, will add some Christmas sparkle to the town centre with an enchanted finale in Cathedral Square.

A new event to Blackburn will see hundreds of ‘dashers’ suit-up as Father Christmas for a family-friendly charity Santa Dash around the town centre. People of all abilities are invited to take part, including experienced runners, beginners taking on their first 5k challenge or a family looking to get active – this event is open to all, including your dogs! The speedy Santas will be raising funds for the NW Air Ambulance.

The Blackburn Festival of Light returns on Saturday 15th December and will see hundreds of lanterns paraded across the town, with dazzling drummers, fire performers and incredible illuminated structures. People of all ages are encouraged top take part in lantern making workshops taking place in the run up to the event in locations across the town including Blackburn. The parade follows the Annual Community Carol Service at the Cathedral and ends with spectacular performances and fireworks at the Town Hall. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a unique Light Installation inside the Cotton Exchange building.