‘Out of this world’ Christmas light switch-on announced for Blackburn

Blackburn’s much-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on event is set to take place on Saturday, November 23.

Inspired by the spectacular Museum of the Moon at Blackburn Cathedral, the ‘Circus of The Moon’ event will feature impressive light projections, circus performers, workshops, live music and markets plus a show-stopping stage show ahead of the switch-on.

For the main event, Blackburn’s Christmas lights will be turned on in a ‘Light Launch Sequence’ featuring a special performance by Pop-Up Global – always a favourite with the crowds!

And, the event will end with a breath-taking laser light show.

The packed programme will run right throughout the day with roaming circus performers as well as circus skills workshops.

There’ll also be a celebration of local talent to enjoy from theatre and performing arts schools, including Lancashire Dance Academy, Zoe Taylor Dance, Bernese Theatre School, Blackburn Musical Theatre Company, Katrina’s Dance & Arts Academy, and Made For Stage.

The new monthly pop-up vintage and art market will also be back – this time at the new home of the Bureau for the Arts in Exchange Street.

It’ll be open from 11am – 4pm with gifts, delicious food and live music to enjoy with the new Bureau café open too.

Straight after the switch-on, visitors can head back to The Bureau for an unforgettable evening of jazz, soul and folk with singer/songwriters Jack Watkins, Jacob Reddy, John Witherspoon and guests from 7pm-10.3-pm. Tickets are available for this brilliant live music night from Blackburn Gigs .

As part of the celebrations, it’ll also be free to attend the Museum of the Moon on the night and there’ll be activities in Blackburn Market, the chance to enjoy Christmas shopping and delicious festive food and drink right across the town centre. You can make a real day of it!

The event will be hosted by Aleeza and Aisha, dynamic young presenters from One Voice Blackburn.

The Christmas lights swich-on is organised by Blackburn BID (The Blackburn Business Improvement District) with the support of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID Manager, said: ‘’We’re thrilled to bring the Circus of the Moon event to life as part of the Festival of the Moon.

‘’This event will transform Blackburn town centre with light, sound, and performances that will create a unique atmosphere.

‘’It’s always a key moment in our calendar – drawing thousands into the town centre, and we have a packed programme of events in store for the festive season.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, added: ‘’This year we have a fantastic line up of events planned to welcome the festive season in Blackburn – that’ll be bigger and better than ever before.

‘’On the night of the Christmas lights switch-on, local company Pop-Up Global will be putting on a show-stopping performance, and for the first time, we’re introducing a laser light show which I’ve heard is going to be truly impressive.

‘’I can’t wait to see the team’s hard work come together and look forward to seeing plenty of you there.’’