Winners of the Accrington Xmas Factor announced at Oswaldtwistle Mills

The winners of the Accrington Xmas Factor were revealed at the St Paul’s Scouts Family Fun Day held at Oswaldtwistle Mills on Saturday 30th August.

Zoltar were crowned winners by a panel of judges and will now perform at the #AmazingAccrington Christmas Light Switch On this November. Charlii Hardcastle secured second place and will take the stage at the Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza in December. Matilda Bibby earned third place, taking home the third-place trophy.

Ten performers went head-to-head on a stage provided by Earl Transport, with each performer selected from a large pool of auditions submitted earlier this year.

The judging panel included Oswaldtwistle Mills managing director Nick Pitman, Mick Shackleton, iMEP CEO Eddy O'Brien, Coun Kimberley Whitehead, and the Mayor of Hyndburn Coun Josh Blayne Allen.

Part of the annual St Paul’s Scouts Family Fun Day, the free-to-attend celebration was filled with activities for all ages. Visitors enjoyed a BBQ, craft stalls, tombolas, and the chance to meet local community groups and organisations. Funds raised from the tombolas will support the ongoing work of St Paul’s Scouts.

Murray Dawson and Scott Dawson Advertising were also awarded the special Fellowship Award from St Paul’s Scouts, for their support to the organisation over many years.

Nick Pitman, Oswaldtwistle Mills managing director, said: "Hosting the Accrington Xmas Factor here was a real pleasure. The venue was buzzing all day, and it was wonderful to see families having so much fun."

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington and managing director of Scott Dawson Advertising, said: "The talent on the stage was truly fantastic. We can’t wait to see Zoltar and Charlii bring that energy to the Christmas Light Switch On in Accrington this November and the Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza in December.”

Speaking about the Fellowship Award, Murray said: “It’s not that often we are on the other side of the camera and for SDA to be given an award for the community support we have given over the years to St Paul’s Scouts is a lovely honour, and we were very proud to accept.”

Mick Shackleton said: "It was a brilliant family fun day. It’s great to see so many people supporting St Paul’s Scouts and enjoying everything on offer."

Eddy O’Brien, chief executive of iMEP, said: "Providing the sound for the main stage was a real highlight. It was great to ensure every performance could be heard loud and clear, helping the event run smoothly and keeping the crowd engaged."

Coun Josh Blayne Allen, Mayor of Hyndburn, said: "This was a wonderful day for the town. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves."

Coun Kimberley Whitehead said: "It was lovely to be part of such a lively and welcoming event. Days like this show what a strong, close-knit community we have."

For more about Oswaldtwistle Mills and everything it has to offer, visit: www.o-mills.co.uk