Burnley's festive plans revealed

The initial plans have been revealed for this year’s festivities in Burnley town centre.

Set to be delivered in a partnership between Burnley Business Improvement District (BID), Burnley Council and Charter Walk, the Christmas celebrations will kick off on Saturday 19th November with an exciting yuletide event from 2pm-5pm.

A stage show featuring music, dance, magic and a headline performance of the Ice Queen will entertain the crowds during the afternoon, while festive walkabout characters will spread cheer as they mingle with visitors. Snow is also set to be released as the day draws to a close to bring a magical feel to proceedings.

The event will then culminate with a light switch-on ceremony to fully begin the countdown to Christmas and add colour and sparkle to the town centre’s streets.

Then in the week before Christmas, from Saturday 17th until Friday 23rd December, people will be able to get their skates on as the town hosts its very own ice rink.

Further detail from Burnley BID regarding tickets is set to follow over the coming weeks.

Other festive events will be taking place in the town too over the most wonderful time of the year including a Christmas themed Artisan Market which will run on Saturday 3rd December on St James’s Street.

To be the first to hear about the town’s Christmas plans, head to the Discover Burnley website: https://discoverburnley.co.uk/christmas-in-burnley/.

Burnley BID project manager Andrew Dean is looking forward to this year’s festivities, commenting: “Alongside our town centre partners we can’t wait to help transform Burnley into a winter wonderland this Christmas, spread some festive cheer for everyone to enjoy and help bring footfall to benefit our businesses.

“As we move towards a more inclusive, family and pet friendly event, we’ll be choosing snow over fireworks and creating a memorable spectacle that will invoke the magic of Christmas. We’d love to see you there and at the Ice Rink too so make sure the dates are in your diary.”

Charter Walk centre manager Debbie Hernon added: “Christmas is a magical time for families and an important time for us to bring the people of Burnley together to celebrate in our Community Centre. These festivities will really set the tone for the Christmas spirit and support our local businesses in these difficult times.

"Alongside Burnley BID’s activity, Charter Walk will also be providing festive entertainment throughout December. We’ll be jollily entertained by the loved Santa Band on Saturday 3rd and 17th December, then The Grinch will be creating mischief in the centre on Saturday 10th December.”

Councillor Mark Townsend, Burnley Council's executive member for economy and growth, said: “It's great to see such a wide range of exciting and imaginative events planned for the weeks leading up to Christmas. “Burnley's going to be buzzing with all that's going on and there's going to be a real party atmosphere as the excitement builds towards the festive season.”