Blackburn’s Festival of the Moon: A Christmas celebration that’s out of this world

Discover Blackburn has announced the launch of the Festival of the Moon this November, an exciting event series set to transform Blackburn town centre into a radiant celebration of art, light, and community.

Thanks to the successful collaboration between Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Festival of Light, Culturapedia, and Blackburn Cathedral, and the generous support of £72,583 from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Funding, Blackburn will enjoy a festive season that’s truly out of this world.

Festival of the Moon Highlights

Blackburn town centre will come alive throughout November and December, starting with The Museum of the Moon, an awe-inspiring lunar installation hosted at Blackburn Cathedral. To celebrate its presence, the Festival of the Moon presents an exciting line-up of festive events and experiences:

●      The Circus of the Moon Christmas Lights Switch-On

Saturday, 23rd November

Join us for Blackburn’s spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event, where the town centre will be taken over by circus-themed festivities. Visitors can enjoy performances by local performing arts schools, captivating stage shows from Pop Up Global and circus skills workshops at The Mall. Roaming circus characters will delight audiences, while young talents from One Voice Blackburn take to the stage as hosts. As part of a special light launch sequence, Blackburn’s Christmas lights will be illuminated with a stunning laser light show, choreographed music, and stage pyrotechnics. The event will also feature a festive market and live music performances at The Bureau. Entry to The Museum of the Moon will be free throughout the day and evening.

●      Blackburn Festival of Light

Saturday, 14th December

Blackburn’s cherished annual light parade is back! In the lead-up, visitors can participate in lantern-making workshops, as well as drumming and stilt-walking classes, adding to the town’s creative buzz. The grand parade, inspired by lunar themes, will light up the town with a fantastic finale at Town Hall Square featuring light projections and mesmerising fire dancing.

●      Moon-themed Arts & Crafts by Culturapedia

Throughout the festive period, Culturapedia will host a variety of family-friendly workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive performances inspired by the moon. Events will be held across Blackburn’s key cultural venues, including Blackburn Market, Blackburn Central Library, and Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery.

●      Moon Light Trail

Take a lunar journey around Blackburn with the Moon Light Trail. This captivating trail of light installations—designed by Blackburn Festival of Light, light sculpture artists, and Blackburn College students—will illuminate the town centre, creating a winter wonderland of glowing sculptures and displays.

Visitors can also look forward to light projections, festive music, ice skating, movie premieres, and a Cinderella pantomime at King George’s Hall. There is also live music from the new Blackburn Gigs initiative every Friday and Saturday evening. With so much to see and do, this Christmas in Blackburn promises to be a truly stellar experience for all ages.

“This year’s Festival of the Moon brings a unique and magical atmosphere to Blackburn, and we’re thrilled to invite everyone to experience these incredible events,” said Catherine Price, Blackburn BID Manager. “With everything from dazzling performances and workshops to inspiring art installations, Blackburn is set to offer a Christmas celebration that connects our community and showcases the best of local talent. We can’t wait to share this wonderful festive season with everyone.”

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We’ve so much planned in the run-up to Christmas for our residents and visitors to enjoy – with much of it being free too.

“On top of the packed programme of events – with something on every single weekend – you can also enjoy Christmas shopping in our town centres and delicious festive food and drink too.

“In fact, there’s lots to make a day and night of it – in Blackburn, you can enjoy a spot of ice skating, the latest Christmas film and the ever-popular panto at King George’s Hall.

“Please do stay local this festive season and discover all our towns have to offer while supporting our many wonderful businesses.”