Bumper crowd of 12,000 attends Accrington lights switch-on

By Scott Dawson Advertising

27 Nov 2023

Accrington Christmas Light Switch On (1).jpg.jpg

It doesn’t feel like Christmas until the lights are switched on, and #AmazingAccrington pulled out all the stops for 2023 in Accrington, with a huge, crowd-pleasing party featuring Emmerdale’s “Paddy”, actor, singer and TikTok star Junior Andre and hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Stephen Lowe.

Taking place on Thursday 23rd November from 4pm – 7:45pm, the packed lineup brought crowds of 12,000 out in their droves to start the run up to Christmas in style. Schoolchildren were involved in lots of ways, with the Collective School Choir bringing together schools to provide a fantastic choir of hundreds, led by Helen Davis of St Christopher’s High School.

The incredible main stage line-up included a lively dance performance from students at Burnley College, beautiful singing from Sophie Stott, songs from the shows with the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir, a Michael Jackson tribute act, the world famous Accrington Pipe Band and appearances from Santa and Buddy the Elf, before the crowds went wild for Junior Andre.

Players from Accrington Stanley and Accrington Stanley Women gave away 200 free footballs, Sara Britcliffe MP brought the winners of her Christmas Card competition on stage, and the winners of Julie Hesmondhalgh’s ‘Winter Writing Trail’ were given their prizes on the main stage in front of a cheering crowd.

Sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, North Lancs Training Group, Sundown Solutions, Prosperity Children’s Services and Financial Affairs, the 2023 #AmazingAccrington Christmas Light Switch On happened at 7.30pm with Emmerdale legend Dominic Brunt, best known as “Paddy” pushing the plunger, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

There were plenty of activities for the children, with Buddy the Elf and Santa on hand for those all important photos, lots of fairground rides on Broadway and a ‘Santa penalty shoot-out’ with the Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

Accrington Market was transformed into an amazing Christmas Market for the event. The tree was up, stalls inside and outside, a bucking reindeer and a special pop up shop from the highly successful Great Harwood business, Finch Bakery.

Coun Marlene Haworth, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “Christmas has started with a fantastic event in #AmazingAccrington, and it really was brilliant to see everyone enjoying themselves.

“People came out to watch the amazing show, and also shopped local and had the tills ringing in town!”

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, commented: “We wanted to go even bigger and better for the Light Switch On this year and we worked incredibly hard to deliver an event which everyone could enjoy.

“We were blown away by the response to our fantastic event and you couldn’t miss the big screen – we even made it snow, and definitely made sure everyone knew it was the start of Christmas!”

Sameena King, manager at Accrington Market, said: “The #AmazingAccrington Christmas Light Switch On is one of the best events of the year and we’re always delighted to play a big part in it.

“The crowds were immense and this event really helps to support our traders and charity stalls. And it’s great fun and a smashing start to the Christmas season!”

The 2023 Accrington Christmas Light Switch On took place on Thursday 23rd November from 4pm and was sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, North Lancs Training Group, Sundown Solutions, Prosperity Children’s Services and Financial Affairs.

To see a gallery of pictures of the Accrington Christmas Light Switch On, please visit: www.amazingaccrington.co.uk

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin