East 17 to headline Christmas party in Great Harwood

East 17 have been announced as the headline act for the free-to-attend Great Harwood Christmas Shows, Music and Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday 14th December.

One of the biggest selling boybands of the 90s, selling over 22 million albums and with 18 top 20 singles across four top ten albums, East 17 will now head to Great Harwood as part of a fascinating line-up this December.

The boyband, featuring original band member Terry Coldwell, will perform on the main stage at 4:45pm, ahead of a spectacular fireworks display at 5:30pm.

Headlining a spectacular Christmas party (10am-5:30pm), the event will also feature buskers, live music in local bars and the giant main video stage in the Mercer Hall area.

A road closure on Queen Street will be in place for the Christmas Extravaganza, which will also include funfair rides, a Santa’s Grotto, Christmas craft stalls, food stalls, wreath making workshops, Christmas card making and much more.

The main stage, featuring a giant screen, will get underway at 11am with the Snow Sisters performing a fantastic Frozen Tribute show with a meet and greet, while there will also be a sing-a-long Elf show at 1pm and 3pm.

There will be plenty of singing on show including a Neil Diamond Tribute, local singers Gavin Young and Maggy Conanan, plus a Taylor Swift Tribute at 4pm, ahead of the headline performance from East 17… it will even snow on the day!

Funded by UK Government’s High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme and delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council, Great Harwood’s trio of festive events will get underway this Saturday with a Traditional Christmas Food, Shopping & Music event from 10am – 4pm.

Located on Towngate, the event will feature food and craft stalls, plus entertainment including popular local singer Sophie Stott, 1940s singers Christopher & The Robins, the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir, and the Helen Green Academy of Dance.

A week later and Great Harwood will host a Traditional Christmas Fayre & Ice Rink on Saturday 7th December from 10am-4pm.

The free ice rink will be open between 10am and 4pm, while the event will also feature a snow globe, food and craft stalls, wither further entertainment on Towngate including further performances from singer Maggy Conanan and the Neil Diamond Tribute.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and arts, said: “What a fantastic coup this is for Great Harwood.

“East 17 are one of the most popular boybands of the 90s, with some really iconic songs, and this announcement is sure to see people turn out in their thousands for the Christmas event on Saturday 14th December.

“There is so much going on in Great Harwood over the festive period and we look forward to seeing you all there.”

You can keep up to date on Hyndburn Borough Council’s events page here: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/events

These events are part of an exciting events programme delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by UK Government’s High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme.