Stars heading to Accrington for Christmas light switch on

#AmazingAccrington has launched a spectacular line-up for the 2023 Accrington Christmas Light Switch On featuring Emmerdale’s “Paddy” and actor, singer and TikTok star Junior Andre.

Taking place on Thursday 23rd November from 4pm – 7:45pm, the free-to-attend event will welcome a number of talented singers and performers to Accrington, as Christmas gets underway in spectacular style in the East Lancashire town.

Junior, who has had two number 1 hits on iTunes, will headline an incredible main stage line-up including the collective school choir, a dance performance from students at Burnley College, singing from local talent Sophie Stott, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tia Connolly, the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir and a Michael Jackson tribute act, plus the world famous Accrington Pipe Band will also perform.

In what is a jam-packed evening of entertainment, there will also be a giveaway of 200 footballs with players from Accrington Stanley and Accrington Stanley Women, while members of the collective school choir will also receive a free selection box, and the winners of Julie Hesmondhalgh’s ‘Winter Writing Trail’ will be announced on the main stage.

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 will also see Emmerdale legend Dominic Brunt, best known as “Paddy”, helping to switch the lights on at 7:30pm, which will be followed by a special fireworks display at 7:35pm.

There will be plenty to do for the children, with Buddy the Elf and Santa on hand for those all important photos, fairground rides on Broadway and a ‘santa penalty shoot-out’ with the Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

Organisers of the event, #AmazingAccrington, are also encouraging people to #ShopLocal on the night, with the Hyndburn Independents offering everything from delicious cuisine to a pair of new shoes.

Accrington Market will also be transformed into an amazing Christmas Market throughout the event. Featuring a fantastic range of indoor and outdoor stalls, the market will be headlined by highly successful Great Harwood business, Finch Bakery.

Coun Marlene Haworth, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “Christmas starts here in #AmazingAccrington and wow… what an excellent line-up we have on offer.

“We have got so many talented musicians and performers joining us for what will be a night to remember in our town. We can’t wait to see everyone shopping locally, embracing the market and having a great time!”

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

“In 2022 we welcomed over 8,000 people into the town centre and with something for everyone this year, we can’t wait to see the town square packed once again!”

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

“In the market we’ve got everything from a bucking reindeer, to over 80 stalls inside and outside the market headlined by the amazing Finch Bakery, while I am looking forward to seeing our charity stalls doing really well again.”

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

For further updates on the Accrington Christmas Light Switch On, please visit: https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/