THERE will be festive spirit aplenty at Accrington’s Christmas lights switch on.

Council bosses say this year’s event and fireworks show promise to be a treat for all the family with school choirs, festive food, a funfair, inflatable bar, Christmas grotto, soft play area and free crafting at the event on Thursday, November 28.

The packed programme of free entertainment starts with the traditional blessing of the crib on the town square at 2pm.

The stage entertainment begins at 4.45pm, with a programme which includes a visit from the mayor Cllr June Harrison, St John’s Baxenden School Choir, a Dance Academy Performance, Mount Carmel School Choir, Claudia Thompson, Indigo Sunset and Just Imagine, who will be performing their big show including fire eaters, stilt walkers and a dance troupe.

The market hall and outside market will also play host to a wealth of festive activity.

The hall will be open with free lantern-making workshops and soft play area and the magical market is taking over the outside stalls.

Later, the night sky above Accrington will be lit up in a riot of colour with the big lights switch on and the spectacular firework display taking place at about 8pm.

Broadway will be busy with fairground rides and a small number of seasonal food stalls and local cafes and bars will be open as normal on the evening too.

The mayor, Cllr June Harrison, said: “We’re all looking forward to the big lights switch on and musical fireworks display, along with the blessing of the crib earlier in the day, which all herald the beginning of the festive season.

“It’s a time for families to get together and join in the festivities that are sure to help people get into the Christmas spirit, so come along and join us and support your local township switch on too if you can.”

Townships across Hyndburn will also have their Christmas lights switch-ons over the coming weeks.

Clayton-le-moors will hold its event on November 26, with Oswaldtwistle the following day and Baxenden on November 29.

Huncoat’s switch on will take place on December 2, while Milnshaw’s event will be on December 4 and Church on December 5.

The final batch will be Great Harwood on December 6 with Altham and Rishton both holding events on December 7.