The annual Christmas lights switch-on event in Blackburn took an unexpected turn this year as inclement weather forced organizers to shift planned outdoor activities indoors. Originally slated to take place in the bustling town centre, the event faced the wrath of Storm Bert, which brought a yellow weather warning for snow and rain to the region. On Friday, the council made the decision to relocate various festivities, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of visitors by moving the action to The Mall, Blackburn Market, and the historic Blackburn Cathedral.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the switch-on event transformed into a remarkable celebration that showcased community spirit and resilience. The redesigned event offered visitors a variety of indoor entertainment options. One of the key attractions was a circus skills workshop, where children and adults alike could learn juggling and acrobatics, led by enthusiastic professionals who shared their love for circus arts. Adding flair to the festive spirit, circus stilt walkers roamed the indoor spaces, captivating attendees with their impressive height and vibrant costumes, drawing smiles and laughter from families eager to capture the moment.
A special highlight for fans of the Marvel universe was the surprise appearance of characters from Guardians of the Galaxy—Groot and Star-Lord. The beloved characters delighted young fans with a meet-and-greet opportunity, allowing them to snap photos and receive autographs. The excitement of seeing these iconic figures created a festive atmosphere that resonated throughout the indoor venues, further underscoring Blackburn’s commitment to offering an engaging experience despite the weather challenges.
The festival also featured a festive market that drew in crowds, eager to take advantage of the holiday shopping opportunities and local bargains. Shoppers wandered through the array of stalls, where local artisans and businesses showcased their products, from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. This not only provided attendees with unique shopping experiences but also supported the local economy, reinforcing the town’s commitment to its community businesses. The atmosphere was further charged by the presence of a live DJ in The Mall, spinning festive tunes that encouraged visitors to mingle, dance, and soak in the holiday spirit.
As part of the festivities, Blackburn BID (Business Improvement District) added a special cultural touch by offering free access to the captivating “Festival of the Moon” exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral. This installation provided a serene and reflective experience for attendees, showcasing an artistic interpretation of the moon and its significance across cultures. Gav Cross, a talented storyteller, led an engaging retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic “The First Men in the Moon,” bringing the tale to life through vivid narration and theatrical performance. His storytelling captivated audiences and provided a moment of wonder and imagination amid the holiday hustle and bustle.
Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Brian Taylor, expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended despite the challenging weather. He acknowledged the hard work of the organizers in adapting the event to ensure that the community could still partake in the festivities. “I want to thank everyone who braved the weather; your support means so much,” Mayor Taylor remarked. He applauded the spirit of teamwork that surfaced as organizers navigated through the trials of adapting plans to fit the indoor venues, emphasizing their dedication to providing a festive experience for the community.
While Blackburn’s event was able to go ahead with adaptations, other nearby towns were not as fortunate in their festivities. Rawtenstall’s Christmas lights switch-on event, which was scheduled for Saturday evening, faced cancellation due to the increasingly poor weather conditions. Anticipation had been high, especially as the pop group East 17—famous for their Christmas number-one hit “Stay Another Day” in 1994—was set to headline. Organizers expressed disappointment over the cancellation, citing the yellow weather warning for snow and rain that rendered it impossible to proceed with the event safely.
Reflecting on the experience, Mayor Brian Taylor noted, “The poor weather didn’t altogether defeat us; we adapted and continued with as much of the original plans as possible. Adjustments were made throughout the day to ensure we provided the best possible experience for the public, even without an official Christmas lights switch-on.” His comments highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Blackburn community, businesses, and voluntary groups in rallying together to create a joyful celebration despite setbacks.
Catherine Price, the Blackburn BID Manager, also shared her enthusiasm regarding the event. Though she acknowledged that the indoor event was not the original vision they had worked tirelessly to create over several months, she was thrilled with the outcome. She declared, “It was a very busy day with a fantastic atmosphere. We celebrated the switching on of Blackburn’s Christmas lights and marked the start of the festive season with a diverse array of activities, performances by Pop Up Global, storytelling sessions, and the opportunity to meet with Marvel characters.”
Catherine hinted at the future by announcing her plans for a Christmas concert in the upcoming weeks. “We’re working with our brilliant community performers who were supposed to be part of the outdoor stage show, and we hope to give them a platform to showcase their talents,” she stated, expressing optimism that the community’s hard work would not go to waste. The idea of hosting a concert aligns with Blackburn’s commitment to fostering local talent and providing opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate, and share in the joyful spirit of the season.
In reflecting on the day’s events, it is evident that the community of Blackburn demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. The willingness to adapt and transform a potentially disappointing situation into a vibrant celebration highlights the strength and spirit that permeates the town. Celebrating the festive season with a unique twist allowed residents to connect, create memories, and maintain cherished traditions whilst supporting local businesses and artists, solidifying Blackburn’s reputation as a hub of community engagement.
As the festivities continue in Blackburn and surrounding areas, the adaptability and determination exhibited by organizers, performers, and attendees set a positive tone for the months to come. Despite stormy weather, the holiday spirit shone brightly, reminding everyone that the essence of these celebrations lies in the joy of coming together, embracing creativity, and supporting one another during the festive season.
While some other towns may have faced cancellations due to inclement weather, Blackburn’s transition from an outdoor spectacular to an indoor celebration serves as a model for innovative thinking and community resilience. The success of the Christmas lights switch-on reaffirms the importance of local partnerships and engagement in ensuring that communities can continue to celebrate and thrive, regardless of the challenges that may arise. The legacy of this year’s event will surely linger in the hearts of attendees as they look forward to future celebrations, concerts, and gatherings that celebrate the warmth and vibrancy of the holiday season.