Darwen dazzles once again with record-breaking Christmas lights switch-on!

Records were once again broken at Darwen’s Christmas lights switch-on with thousands of people turning out for the hugely popular event.

The Market Square was full, and revellers lined Railway Road as famous 90s house band K-Klass officially switched on the lights to a burst of confetti and a huge cheer.

They topped a cracker of a festive programme spanning more than 10 hours with everyone from Darwen Brass Band to a show-stopping showcase of local talent and even a special visit from Father Christmas himself.

And, with the Christmas party well and truly started, El Grego from Demented Disco took to the decs until the early evening with revellers dancing to 90s hits in the square under the festive lights – despite torrential rain.

Councillor Brian Taylor, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council, was on stage for the switch-on with the Mayor of Darwen Town Council, Councillor Stephanie Brookfield.

He said: ‘’It’s hard to believe, but this event gets even bigger and better every single year!

‘’It was quite something to walk out on to the stage and see the Market Square absolutely packed out with families and friends all enjoying the festivities.

‘’Right throughout the day, the event had been busy with people enjoying the festive markets, the impressive entertainment and all our wonderful town has to offer – it was fantastic to see it so busy and so many people supporting our local businesses.

‘’As a Darrener myself, I was incredibly proud to be there to help switch on the lights and I do hope it’s the start of a wonderful Christmas for us all.

‘’Merry Christmas Darwen!’’

On stage, Britian’s Got Talent star Ella Shaw performed with talented pupils from her own Ella Shaw Academy of Arts – wowing with hits from the musical, Six.

And dancers from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy and Lancashire Dance Academy pulled out all the stops too, with huge rounds of applause from the crowds for their incredible performances.

Hugely gifted pupils from Darwen School of Music and owner Paul Stuart Davies also belted out hits with host KiKi DeVille once again also proving to be a favourite with the crowds.

And, while not on the official line-up, two Darwen PCSOs proved they had all the moves – much to the delight of the crowds.

A video of them dancing to K-Klass shared online has already been watched more than 100,000 times!

This incredibly popular event is funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Darwen Town Council and is organised by Crafty Vintage.