BLACKBURN'S Christmas lights switch on went off with a bang as the town came together to show its festive spirit.

Thousands of people cheered on as Father Christmas flicked the switch to turn on the lights and set off a sea of fireworks.

Earlier the town had been taken over by crescendo of noise from the Greatest Showman parade, which included stilt walkers and acrobatic elves.

Not only were children wowed by the chance to meet Father Christmas during the free all-day event, they were transfixed by a Peppa Pig Meet and greet.

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID manager said she was hopeful the event will have achieved her aim of encouraging people to chose Blackburn as their primary Christmas shopping destination.

She said: "I am so pleased with it all. I am really pleased with how well it went. It was a really professional, high quality event. The town centre has been busy and bustling all day, which was fantastic. It has had a really festive atmosphere which is exactly what I wanted."

The event was hailed as an overwhelming success for organisers, performers, volunteers and business in the town by borough Mayor Cllr Jim Shorrock.

He said: "The event has been an overwhelming success for everyone involved. Everywhere you went in the town it was packed, whether it be Cathedral Square, the market, The Mall or King William Street.

"There was a real buzz about the town. Everywhere you went there were children smiling and people having a good time. It was amazing, a really lovely event."

There were also entertainment provided by the star of King George’s Hall’s Cinderella pantomime, former Liberty X singer, Kevin Simm.

Mr Simm said: "I love coming to Blackburn over Christmas. It's become a second home to me as I've been doing panto here for four years.

"I do quite a lot of Christmas light switch ons and they're all different. It's a nice event to be able to put on for the kids and parents while they're out shopping. It was nice to see the town so busy."

The programme also included lantern-making workshops ahead of the Festival of Light Lantern Parade on December 14, a Frost Fair inside Blackburn Cathedral Crypt, aerial artist performances inside the cathedral, an ice dragon walkabout from King George’s Hall, Santa’s Fantastical Post Office grotto experience in The Mall, a magical illusionist and your chance to meet Peppa Pig at Blackburn Market, Christmas-themed craft sessions at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery and festive storytelling at Blackburn Central Library.

Blackburner Derryanne King, who attended the event with her five children and their grandad, said: "I thought it was really nice. The kids have enjoyed it. It was good to see so many people in Blackburn and the town bouncing."

Fellow Blackburner Julie Chothia, who attended the event with her family, including five grandchildren and five children, said: "It was fantastic. It was a really good atmosphere. It was good to see Christmas spirit being spread across the town.

"The grandchildren really enjoyed Father Christmas, as usual, and Peppa Pig as well."