Darwen Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Markets

One of the biggest selling UK dance acts of the 90s, N-Trance is topping the bill for this year’s Christmas lights event on Saturday, November 18th. 

Last year saw record crowds fill Darwen Market Square and this year organisers, Crafty Vintage, are working hard with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council to make it even bigger and better! 

It’ll see the popular festive markets return with a fantastic selection of food, drink and stalls filled with gift ideas. 

Plus, there’ll be live entertainment right through from 11am into the early evening with special visits from Father Christmas, free panto performances, singing, dancing and of course the big switch on itself! 

And, this year the festive fun will stretch up Bridge Street too with dancing elves, singing and outdoor character performances. 

Father Christmas will also be back in Darwen Market with Culturapedia for his special story time sessions which were a sell out in 2022. 

And, after being such a hit last year, he’ll be telling jokes on the main stage too – spreading Christmas cheer to the crowds. 

Also set to be a hit with families, will be the special performance from the cast of King George’s Hall’s panto, Aladdin. They’re set to wow with a 40 minute slot on stage, oh yes they are! 

Here’s the full line-up for the event: 

From 10am – Darwen Market Square 

Festive markets 

Ice Glitz Christmas Characters 

Dancing Elves with Zoe Taylor Dance 

Dharmonies Choir 

Helter-skelter & Miami Wave 

From 10:30am – Darwen Market 

Storytelling with Father Christmas – look out for details on how to book 

From 11am – Bridge Street 

Dancing Elves with Zoe Taylor Dance 

Jazz Vocalist Arthur Geldard 

Mr Wilson Second Liners 

From 2pm – Live on stage in Darwen Market Square 

Kiki DeVille 

Darwen School of Music 

Lancashire Dance Academy 

Paul Stuart Davies 

Jokes with Father Christmas 

King George’s Hall’s Aladdin Panto Performance  

N:Trance 

Christmas Lights Switch On 

Mr Wilson’s Second Liners 

November 2023

18th November 2023