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.
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 programme of 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 tens of thousands of times!
This incredibly popular event is funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Darwen Town Council and is organised by Crafty Vintage.
Owner, Laura Johnson added:
“Every year we think that it’ll be impossible to top the last, but somehow, we do and to see all those thousands of people enjoying themselves was something else.
“It was so busy, that to keep everyone safe, we had to close the Market Square and ask people instead to watch from Railway Road.
“It wasn’t just for the finale too – all day the town was busy with people enjoying the festive markets, the entertainment and Darwen’s fantastic selection of independent businesses too.
“We have never had so many people there right throughout the day – even the rain couldn’t dampen Darwen’s spirits.
“For Crafty Vintage this is just the start of a very busy Christmas of events for us – but what a start it was.
“A big thank you to everyone who helped pull out all of the stops to make it a huge success!”
New for 2024 was Christmas pottery painting for free for families at By Erin.
The popular Bridge Street shop was full throughout the day with youngsters showing off their artistic talent – decorating ornaments to hang on their tree.
And, again with families very much in mind, the cast of King George’s Hall’s panto, Cinderella did a star turn on stage ahead of the big countdown.
Leader of Darwen Town Council, Councillor Jonathan Hamer, said:
“Darwen really does lead the way when it comes to the Christmas lights switch-on, people come from far and wide and it’s always a brilliant event.
“Once again Darwen dazzled, and it was fantastic to see all those thousands of people having a good time as we start the official countdown the festive season.
“I saw one comment that the event did the town proud, and I couldn’t agree more.
“Of course, it really is only the start too with events being planned right up until Christmas and so many businesses to explore and enjoy across the town centre and beyond.
“Please do shop local if you can, we know it really does help make a difference, especially at this time of year.”
