One of the biggest Christmas Markets in East Lancashire coming to Great Harwood high street this Saturday

Great Harwood will be transformed into a festive extravaganza this Saturday with the high street’s boutique shops bustling and over 50 food, drink and craft stalls.

Packed full of popular independents, visitors will get the opportunity to check them out on the Great Harwood high street throughout the day, featuring the likes of Brie Mine, Finch Bakery, Dolores Antiques & Jewellery, Gareth’s Florist plus many more including new to the Great Harwood high street Curiosity Classics and Best Destinations.

There are also plenty of places to eat and drink on the day and into the night including Mellows Lounge Bar & Eatery, The Plough, Akela Street Food, Clacky D’s, Otto Café and Grill for their popular cortado coffees and lots more.

Event organisers Scott Dawson Advertising have also arranged special live music performances in two venues from Accrington Xmas Factor star Caitlyn Holt in both Mellows (4pm) and The Plough (6pm) on Saturday.

Alongside the thriving independents on the high street, the free to attend will also feature more than 50 festive street food, drink and Christmas craft stalls, alongside a packed schedule of performances and festive activities.

Visitors can enjoy an impressive variety of food offerings, including the famous Finch Bakery trailer – a crowd favourite, Korean corn dogs, doughnuts, artisan cheeses, footlong kebab wraps, loaded fries, Mediterranean street food, Tex-Mex treats, brownies and much more.

Drink stalls will serve everything from hot chocolate to alcoholic beverages, ensuring a warm and celebratory atmosphere throughout the day.

In addition to the culinary delights, craft stalls will provide the perfect opportunity for Christmas shopping, offering items ranging from honey and bath bombs to candles and 3D-printed creations.

Families can also enjoy festive face painting, hair and glitter stations, as well as support local charities including Milly’s Smiles.

The day’s entertainment will include a brass band performance between 12:15pm and 1:15pm outside Finch Bakery, a wreath-making workshop in the main marquee and card-making workshops in the library (which are now both fully booked), funfair rides and a free Santa’s Grotto with free selection boxes.

A giant £1million large screen entertainment stage will host a full programme of performances, beginning at 12pm with a parade from Towngate to Mercer Hall featuring the world-famous Accrington Pipe Band and Great Harwood Rovers.

Performances throughout the day include Halcyon Performing Arts at 12:30pm, the Helen Green Academy of Dance at 1pm, a Frozen sing-along at 1:30pm followed by a free meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa at 2:15pm, Christmas songs with host Gavin Young at 2:15pm, Burnley College Musical Theatre at 2:30pm, Christmas dancers at 3pm, a free selection box giveaway in the free Santa’s Grotto from 3pm to 4pm, rock, R&B and rap sister duo Kulturess at 3:30pm, Accrington Xmas Factor star Eliza Castle at 3:55pm, and back by popular demand following a sensational performance last year, one of the UK’s leading tributes to Taylor Swift at 4:20pm.

The festivities will culminate with a headline performance by Blondied at 4:45pm. Fronted by Michelle Hendriks, originally from Great Harwood, the UK’s leading tribute to Debbie Harry and Blondie will deliver a show-stopping finale, followed by a Christmas sing-along and a snow cannon display.

Michelle Hendriks, lead singer of Blondied, said: “I may have travelled the world with my band, but I honestly can’t remember the last time I was more excited about a gig! Coming back to Great Harwood for the Christmas Extravaganza feels really special – it’s my hometown, my family & friends will be there, and I can’t wait to celebrate and sing along with everyone.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, deputy leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “The Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza is a highlight of the festive calendar and a fantastic celebration for the whole community.

“We look forward to welcoming people in their thousands on Saturday. With free entry, it’s an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the entertainment and seasonal atmosphere.”

Murray Dawson, managing director of event organisers Scott Dawson Advertising, said: “It is great to see all the community coming together for this event. It is fantastic to see local businesses sending in their adverts for the big screen, like Clacky D’s who are staying open late on the day. Their Irish curry is my favourite, and I will be treating the team to a lunchtime takeaway of fish and chips.

“The Great Harwood high street is going from strength to strength, with new businesses opening and current ones thriving, making it a real hub for people to visit and shop. That success underpins Great Harwood, and it works well with the Christmas Extravaganza, where we bring thousands of people into town to both check out our boutique outlets and enjoy the entertainment.”

This year’s Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza is proudly sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council and BRSK.

Learn more and stay up to date by following Great Harwood Events on social media.