East 17 set to 'stay another day' in Accrington for spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On this Thursday

Accrington is preparing for an unforgettable evening of festive magic as the #AmazingAccrington Christmas Lights Switch On returns to the town centre this Thursday and the whole event is completely free to attend.

Sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, this year’s celebration promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a full programme of entertainment designed to bring festive cheer to all ages.

Taking centre stage are 90s Christmas pop legends East 17, who will perform at approximately 7pm. Famous for their iconic Christmas Number 1, Stay Another Day, which topped the UK charts for five weeks in 1994, the band will bring a wave of festive nostalgia and feel-good energy to Accrington. Their performance will lead perfectly into a grand finale sing-a-long, followed by the eagerly anticipated Christmas lights switch on and dazzling fireworks display at around 7:40pm.

The festivities begin much earlier, with the event getting underway from 4pm. A collective school choir led by Helen Davies from St Christopher’s CE High School will open the show, and all 400 children taking part, Accrington’s biggest Christmas choir, will receive a selection box.

At 4:20pm, families can enjoy a magical Frozen sing-a-long on the main stage, before meeting Anna and Elsa in Santa’s Grotto on Broadway between 4:45pm and 5:45pm. The excitement continues when players from Accrington Stanley Football Club and Accrington Stanley Women make a special main stage appearance at 4:50pm, interacting with the crowd, kicking inflatable footballs and awarding prizes to the winners of the Accrington Stanley Christmas card competition.

Shortly after, at 5pm, Burnley College Musical Theatre students will deliver a special dance performance, before a meet and greet opportunity with Accrington Stanley players takes place in the OASST shop in the Arndale at 5:15pm.

Back on the main stage at 5:20pm, audiences can enjoy a festive dance showcase from the Helen Green Academy of Dance, followed by a lively appearance at 5:40pm from the Grinch and his Christmas dancers. At 6pm, the much-loved FREE Santa’s Grotto opens on Broadway with free selection boxes available on a first come, first served basis, sponsored by Vita Accrington and Proctor Process Plant Ltd.

From 6:05pm, talented sister duo Kulturess will take to the stage with their dynamic mix of R&B, rock and rap, performing ahead of Accrington Xmas Factor winners Zoltar, who will appear at 6:25pm in support of headline act East 17.

Alongside the main stage excitement, families can enjoy a funfair on Broadway and a tempting array of street food and drink stalls including the extremely popular Pink Island Express, Japanese gyoza, BBQ food, churros, doughnuts, cheese and much more, as well as plenty of options to purchase soft and alcoholic drinks.

The Arndale will also be buzzing with community and craft stalls selling everything from candles to bath bombs, live music from local singer Caitlyn Holt, another opportunity to meet Accrington Stanley players in the OASST shop, and late-night shopping and café openings offering hot festive treats.

Visitors are even advised to keep an eye out for a special appearance from Buddy the Elf as he spreads Christmas cheer throughout the evening.

A selection of independent shops and cafes will also be open late on the night including Barbara Kays and A Bit O’ Summat on Whalley Road.

Earlier in the afternoon, at 2pm, St Mary Magdalene’s Church of England Primary School will lead a touching Blessing of the Crib, attended by Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr Josh Blayne Allen, setting the tone for a truly heartwarming community celebration.

Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “We are incredibly excited for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On. There is so much going on throughout the afternoon and evening, with entertainment for every age group.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together, enjoy fantastic live performances and activities, and experience the magic of Christmas in Accrington. Best of all, it’s completely FREE to attend. We can’t wait to light up the town centre and welcome everyone for what promises to be a spectacular night.”

Speaking ahead of their performance, East 17 said: “We can’t wait to turn on the lights, it is going to be the best night and we can’t wait to see you all there.”

Stay up to date with all the latest news and full event details at www.amazingaccrington.co.uk and by following #AmazingAccrington on social media.