Darwen Market Square | Saturday 14th November
Darwen is set to kick off the festive season in spectacular style as chart-topping dance legends Ultrabeat, with a special appearance by Rebecca Rudd, have been announced as the headline act for this year’s Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 14 November 2026.
The much-loved annual event will transform Darwen Market Square into a festive celebration packed with family entertainment, live performances, festive shopping and seasonal cheer, culminating in a headline performance from Ultrabeat, whose huge hits including Pretty Green Eyes, Feelin’ Fine and Better Than Life have filled dancefloors across the UK for more than two decades.
For many, Ultrabeat’s iconic anthems provide the soundtrack to nights out, road trips and unforgettable memories, making their appearance in Darwen a perfect dose of feel-good nostalgia as the town comes together to celebrate the start of the festive season.
Full day of festive family fun
Visitors can expect a full day of festive fun, with market stalls open from 10am offering seasonal gifts, food and festive treats, alongside a circus skills workshop, walkabout characters, local dance and community performances, fairground rides and a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day.
Families will also be able to enjoy a host of magical Christmas experiences, including a festive Elf Trail around the town centre, an interactive Elf Show, enchanting Father Christmas storytelling sessions at Darwen Market, and a stunning fire spectacular guaranteed to light up the evening and add even more festive magic to the celebrations.
The live performance and big countdown
As darkness falls and the countdown to Christmas begins, Ultrabeat will help get the party started before Darwen’s Christmas lights are switched on, creating the perfect soundtrack for the town’s biggest festive celebration.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ultrabeat to Darwen for what promises to be another unforgettable Christmas Lights Switch-On. Their incredible catalogue of feel-good hits has stood the test of time and will bring fantastic energy, nostalgia and excitement to the event as we celebrate the start of the festive season together.”
Councillor Anthony Shaw, Leader of Darwen Town Council, said:
“We’re inviting everyone to get into the Christmas spirit, pull on their festive jumpers, dust off the flashing accessories and join us in Market Square for a day packed with entertainment, community spirit and festive fun. From the Elf Trail and Father Christmas storytelling to the fire show spectacular and live music, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.”
Join the festive party in Darwen Market Square!
The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the town’s most anticipated events, bringing together families, friends and visitors from across the region for a celebration that’s uniquely Darwen.
So, whether you’re singing along to Pretty Green Eyes, following the Elf Trail, enjoying festive storytelling with Father Christmas, watching the spectacular fire show, taking a spin on the rides or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
Get your Christmas jumpers ready, gather your friends and family, and join us on Saturday 14 November as Darwen starts the festive season the only way it knows how – with a huge community celebration and a party to remember.
The event is organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council, supported by Darwen Town Council and managed by Crafty Vintage, helping to deliver one of the region’s most anticipated festive celebrations.
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