The biggest and most festive event in Darwen town centre’s calendar
Got questions about Saturday’s light switch-on event? We’ve got answers! We want each and every visitor to have a fantastic festive day in Darwen this weekend, it is our favourite day of the year after all.
Whether you’re looking for details on the timings, or want to know the best way to get to Darwen, you’ll find the top tips and handy info you need right here.
What time does everything start?
The event will begin at 10am on Saturday morning with the Crafty Vintage Festive Markets, the Circus Skills Workshop and free face-painting (until 2pm).
The first Father Christmas Storytelling show is at 10:30am inside Darwen Market, followed by 12:30pm and 2:30pm; tickets have now sold out but if you were lucky enough to nab some, check your email confirmation for details.
There’ll also be fairground rides for the little ones (or big ones!), including the ever-popular helter skelter.
From 2pm, there’s a packed programme on stage led by our fabulous compère, Kiki DeVille.
The line-up includes:
- Zoe Taylor Dance Academy
- Darwen School of Music
- King George’s Hall Panto
- Jokes with Father Christmas
- The Elves Festive Party
- Darwen Ducks
- Begin2Sing with VIP guest
- Headliner – ULTRABEAT PA with Rebecca Rudd
- Plus a special appearance from local TikTok star, Max Balegde, to help turn on the lights!
After the lights are on and the square is looking fabulously festive, there’ll be a spectacular fire show finale, followed by Christmas classics playing softly on the speakers until 7pm.
Our most frequently asked question by far is “what time will Max be turning on the lights?”
This will happen at approximately 6pm, but we recommend getting down to Darwen town centre long before then to enjoy the family entertainment, festive markets and to get a good spot on the market square, as it gets busier and busier each year!
Please be aware the event is very popular and once the market square is full, it will be closed for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Audiences will then be encouraged to use the closed section Railway Road area to view the event.
Darwen Market will also be open throughout the day too – from 8am to 4pm – so be sure to pop in, support our traders, and enjoy all they have to offer. Nicola at Sinensis Styles will have a pop-up stall inside the market, selling her beautiful handmade bags and accessories; ideal for Christmas gifts.
What about toilet facilities?
The toilets in the Annexe at Darwen Market will be open during market hours, 8am–4pm, including an accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities.
There’ll also be portable toilets in the market square for the duration of the event, including baby-changing and accessible facilities.
Not forgetting that we have several welcoming pubs and cafés in Darwen town centre, where you can take a break, enjoy a drink, and use the facilities. The Old Chapel pub overlooks the square and has an accessible toilet with baby-changing.
Will there be an accessible viewing area?
Yes! There will be an accessible viewing area. Please ask a member of the security team if you would like to use it.
What should I wear?
The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On and Festive Markets is an outdoor event, so we encourage you to dress for the weather. At the moment the forecast is looking dry but very cold, so wrap up warm.
We also highly recommend that you and your friends and family come dressed in a Christmas jumper, as everyone who does can enter an exciting raffle. One lucky winner will win £250 on the day!
More details and terms & conditions are coming very soon.
Is this a family event?
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On and Festive Markets is absolutely a family event. Providing an enjoyable free day out for the whole family is our top priority, and there will be something for everyone on Saturday.
From stunning market stalls to browse and fantastic vocals from Begin2Sing, to an appearance from Father Christmas on the big stage and high energy from our fabulous headliner, ULTRABEAT, we’re confident that all ages will have a great day out.
Please note: entertainment on the main stage will be loud, so little ears may need ear defenders. The market square also gets very busy before and during the headline act (around 5pm–6pm).
Stage pyrotechnics may be used, but there are no fireworks at this event. Instead, we’ve focused on delivering a fabulous programme throughout the day. Fireworks are costly, weather-dependent, and tend to divide opinion – rest assured, there’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained!
Can I bring alcohol into the market square?
Bringing your own alcohol into the market square is not permitted.
If you fancy a festive tipple, you’re welcome to buy drinks from one of the event bars on site. Deli Carlo and Sweet Vintage, which are located at the front of Darwen Market, are also licensed.
Please drink responsibly and keep in mind that the lights switch-on is a first and foremost a family event.
How do I get there?
For those coming from out of town, Darwen is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
- By train: Darwen Railway Station is a three-minute walk from Market Square, with direct trains from Bolton, Manchester, Blackburn and Clitheroe.
- By bus: The Number 1 bus (Blackburn Bus Company) serves Darwen Town Centre with regular services between Bolton and Blackburn. We recommend downloading the Transdev Go app for live bus times and journey planning.
- By car: The A666 runs through Darwen Town Centre, around 10 minutes from Junction 4 of the M65.
There are several free car parks nearby, including the Train Station, Bridge Street, Knott Street and the large car park at Darwen Market. Please note: the covered market car parks close at 4pm.
Road closures
- For the event, a portion of Railway Road (between the A666 and the Spar shop) will be closed from approximately 4pm to 9pm.
- Croft Street, including Darwen Circus bus station, will be closed from midnight to 11pm.
- A temporary bus stop will be in place on Market Street.
Will there be a photographer?
Yes – a photographer/videographer will be capturing professional photos and video footage of the event for marketing purposes on behalf of Discover Darwen and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please make the photographer aware. Please keep in mind that if you enter the competitions during the day and are invited onto the stage, you will be photographed.
What about bins and rubbish?
Please use the bins provided in the market square and help us keep the event clean and tidy. If bins are full, please take your rubbish home with you. Doing your bit helps keep the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On a fantastic free community event for everyone.
Where can I go after the event wraps up at approximately 7pm?
Darwen has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of excellent bars, pubs and eateries to choose from.
The Bridgewater, over the road from the market square, is hosting the “unofficial afterparty”, with live music from Cherrybomb. Children are welcome until 9pm.
See you there!
We can’t wait to see you in Darwen town centre on Saturday for the biggest event in our calendar
Drop by early doors for a mooch round the market and a coffee on the square and then come back into town later to enjoy the stage entertainment, or stay all day for nine hours full of festive vibes and free family fun!
Still got a question?
Please feel free to reach out on Facebook or send an email to info@discoverdarwen.co.uk
Be sure to check back here and the event listing for more details on the Christmas competitions coming very soon!
