Great Harwood in festive spirit ahead of free-to-attend grand finale with East 17

The festivities continued in Great Harwood last Saturday with over 1,000 people enjoying a free snow globe and free ice rink, as well as hundreds more enjoying the market and live performances, as the town prepares to host its grand finale of Christmas events this weekend.

Storm Darragh failed to beat the second of three Christmas events taking place in Great Harwood this year, with families taking full advantage of the free attractions, which also included live entertainment, plus food and craft stalls.

This Saturday will see the town's free-to-attend Christmas Extravaganza on Queen Street and in front of Mercer Hall, with one of the biggest selling boybands of the 90s, East 17, headlining the main stage at 4:45pm.

The live entertainment will get underway at 10am with a performance from the Helen Green Academy of Dance, and that will be followed by sing-a-long Frozen shows at 11am and 2pm, performances from a Neil Diamond Tribute at 11:35am and 1:30pm, singing from talented local artist Maggy Conanan at 12pm, sing-a-long Elf shows at 1pm and 3pm, singing from main stage host Gavin Young at 2:30pm, and a Taylor Swift Tribute at 4pm, ahead of the eagerly anticipated show from East 17.

Funded by UK Government's High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme and delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council, the main stage also features a mega screen, which will ensure visitors get a good view of the entertainment.

Alongside the main stage which will be located outside Mercer Hall, there will be funfair rides including a Miami ride on Queen Street, a free reindeer rodeo, a meet and greet with the Snow Sisters, sold out Christmas wreath making workshops, performing arts workshops and much more.

There will also be street food, drink and craft stalls along Queen Street providing plenty of opportunities to purchase some last-minute Christmas presents, as well as to enjoy delicious food and drink while watching the live entertainment including Finch Bakery, Tiger Lounge's popular tuk tuk bar, Wild Game from the Dales, plus much more.

Those attending will also get the chance to explore and visit the many outlets on the high street, including the likes of Brie Mine, Mama Put, Akela Street Food, Holy Cannoli and many more.

One of the most popular card and gift shops in East Lancashire, Wild Card, is also located on the traditional high street, as well as a local meat butchers, plus a farm producer inside Flow Wellbeing Network.

The event will also host a special procession at 12:30pm, with popular local ska band, Blowjangles, set to lead Great Harwood Rovers players, past and present, down Queen Street and ending outside Mercer Hall for a special 50^th anniversary commemorative photo. Each child taking part under 12, will then receive a free selection box.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, said: "This is going to be an incredible finale to our Christmas events in Great Harwood.

"There is a jam-packed day of activities for all the family to enjoy and with Christmas being just two weeks away, this is the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit.

"The event is free to attend, and we would urge everyone to get down early to make sure they get a good spot for my favourites, East 17."

A free open top double decker bus will also be running on the day from Oswaldtwistle (10:30am) stopping at Church and Rishton, from Rawtenstall (12pm) stopping at Haslingden, Baxenden, Accrington, Altham and Clayton-le-Moors, as well as from Clitheroe (2pm) stopping at Whalley on the way to Great Harwood.

Follow Great Harwood Events on social media for timings and pick-up points: www.facebook.com/greatharwoodevents

These events are part of an exciting events programme delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by UK Government's High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme.