BLACKBURN'S £50 million town centre refurbishment is being celebrated this week in one of the biggest parties to be held in the town for a decade.

The message from organisers is 'come on down and join in the fun' which starts on Saturday (October 26) with a shopping spectacular.

Brookside star Vince Earl -alias Ron Dixon- will join Blackburn's Mayor, Councillor Mary Leaver, to re-launch the revamped town centre under the 'It's happening' anthem on Saturday at 1.15pm.

"Saturday marks the start of a week long celebration in the town centre," said Tony Openshaw, the council's tourism and marketing manager. "We aim to project an image of a revitalised town centre on the way up and that can only be good news for the local economy."

One of the most eagerly awaited events will be the official opening of Blackburn's boulevard bus and train stations on October 31.

A packed itinerary includes an exhibition of education and industry, a cookery demonstration in the market and the biggest fireworks display the town has ever seen at Witton Park on November 2, marking the end of the celebrations.

Mr Openshaw added: "We hope these celebrations will signal to residents, visitors and neighbouring towns that Blackburn has a lot to offer."

Leaflets detailing all the action are available free of charge from the Tourist Information Centre on Northgate.

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