'Christmas D:REAM' as chart toppers set to turn on Darwen Lights

D:REAM is set to headline an action-packed day of festive fun to mark the Christmas lights being switched on in Darwen.

Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Town Council have teamed up with Crafty Vintage to ensure the 2022 event is a real Christmas cracker!

And, there promises to be something for everyone with festive markets, live music, dance performances, The Nutcracker Dancing on Ice and hits by the band D:REAM - famous for its number one single, ‘Things Can Only Get Better.’

The packed programme will start at 10am on Saturday, November 19th, with the opening of the festive market.

There, you can expect an enticing array of crafters, makers and collectors - all offering a huge selection of bespoke festive treasures and treats.

Plus there’ll be a street food courtyard to tempt your taste buds as well as Christmas cocktails, hot chocolate and mulled wine!

The markets, alongside the stalls in the Market Hall and surrounding shops, offer the perfect chance to do some Christmas shopping while supporting small businesses.

There’ll also be an enchanting variety of free entertainment, including:

• Father Christmas storytelling in Darwen Market from 11am
• Performances by talented local singers from Darwen School of Music and gifted dancers from Lancashire Dance Academy from 2pm
• An IceGlitz performance of The Nutcracker Dancing On Ice

The entertainment will be compered by acclaimed burlesque singer, Kiki Deville.

As the countdown to the lights nears, it’ll be time for the headline act to take to the stage…

Chart-toppers D:REAM first came to prominence with the euphoric single "U R the Best Thing" in the summer of 1992, an anthemic piano-house tune remixed by Sasha was Pete Tong's Essential Tune of 1992.

"Things Can Only Get Better" gave the group their first chart success and became number one in 1994. 

The band were then nominated for Best Dance act in the MTV Europe music awards in and for Best Single in the Brit Awards in 1995. With a brand new single “Pedestal” released in September, D:REAM are very much still in the spotlight and will be a real Christmas treat.

After D:REAM has dazzled the crowd, it’ll be time for the main event - the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on at around 6pm!

The festive markets will remain open until 8pm, so you can enjoy an evening browse while warmed by our newly illuminated Christmas lights and background vocals from Kiki deVille.

Why not enter into the festive spirit and dress up as an elf or Christmas character? There’ll be a prize for the best Christmas fancy dress; £50 Shop Darwen vouchers, as well as runner up prizes too!

The event promises to be a memorable day of joyful Christmas celebrations and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, Darwen Town Council and Crafty Vintage cannot wait to welcome you all onto the Market Square on Saturday 19th November.

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Suleman Khonat, said: “We know just how popular the Darwen Christmas lights switch-on is with thousands of people turning out each year.

“This year’s event promises to be a real Christmas cracker with the festive markets and a packed-programme of entertainment.

“It’s always a fantastic way to start the official countdown to Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all there to join in with the fun!”

Mayor of Darwen Town Council, Councillor Stephanie Brookfield, added: “The Town Council is proud to support this event.

“We know it’s one that residents, young and old, look forward to each Christmas and this year’s programme is absolutely packed with festive fun for all.”

For all the up to date information on Christmas 2022 in Darwen, please visit www.darwentowncentre.co.uk/events, and www.facebook.com/DarwenTC