ACCRINGTON Christmas lights switch-on and firework display attracted an impressive 1,000 people despite the rain.

This year the fun included a stage with guest artists performing including X Factor semi-finalist Misha B, Britain’s Got Talent stars Henry Gallagher and former Liberty X singer Kevin Simm.

US TV star Jesse McClure also spoke to fans and there were spectacular fireworks and a fairground on Broadway.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The lights were switched on by Hyndburn mayor, Cllr Marlene Haworth. There were craft stalls in the town hall and games tents including popular games while the town hall cinema screen showed The Snowman.

Handmade goods including soaps, crepes and jewellery were also on offer during the evening. Channel 4 was also there filming ahead of its coverage of the Limewood Christmas Lights event on December 1 with the footage to be shown on December 14.

Many shops also opened for the first time at the event which attracted lots of families.

They included tea room and gift store, Craft and Crumpet, which opened its doors until 9pm selling gifts. Cllr Haworth said: “It was a brilliant night. The acts were good, the firework was display brilliant and the lights worked first time. Everybody joined in and everybody was happy.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“It was absolutely brilliant to see some happiness in the borough and everybody getting into the festive spirit. It did start to drizzle but that didn’t dampen anybody’s spirits.”

Hyndburn Chamber of Trade ran a popular family fun zone in Blackburn Road including stalls, Punch and Judy and children’s Christmas fancy dress and mascot race. Tracy Simmonds, chamber of trade representative, said the mascot race which included Santa and Pepper Pig, proved a hit with youngsters.

She said: “Santa had to win as it was Christmas.

“They started at Blackburn Road and ran into the crowd. The kids absolutely loved it.”

Event goer Sarah Jade said: “It was amazing at the Accrington light switch on.”