Darwen set for a Christmas party as Ultrabeat join lights switch-on celebrations

Chart-topping dance act Ultrabeat will headline Darwen’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 14 November 2026, with a special appearance by vocalist Rebecca Rudd.

The free event will transform Darwen Market Square into a festive celebration, with live music, family entertainment, Christmas shopping, fairground rides and activities throughout the day.

Ultrabeat, best known for dance hits including Pretty Green Eyes, Feelin’ Fine and Better Than Life, will take to the stage ahead of the town’s Christmas lights being switched on.

The group enjoyed chart success during the 2000s, and their appearance is expected to bring a dose of dance music nostalgia to one of Darwen’s biggest annual events.

A full day of Christmas entertainment

The celebrations will begin with market stalls opening from 10am, offering seasonal gifts, food and festive treats.

Visitors can look forward to a packed programme of activities and entertainment, including:

• Live music, local dance and community performances
• A circus skills workshop
• Walkabout characters
• Fairground rides
• A festive Elf Trail around Darwen town centre
• An interactive Elf Show
• Father Christmas storytelling sessions at Darwen Market
• A spectacular fire show

The event will build towards the evening’s headline performance by Ultrabeat and the switching on of Darwen’s Christmas lights.

Families will also have the opportunity to explore the town centre, visit Darwen Market and support local independent shops and businesses.

Ultrabeat to bring dance anthems to Darwen

With songs that became familiar favourites on dancefloors across the UK, Ultrabeat’s performance promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s celebrations.

The headline appearance will feature vocalist Rebecca Rudd, adding to an evening of live entertainment before the official Christmas lights switch-on.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:

“We’re all really looking forward to welcoming Ultrabeat to Darwen for what promises to be another unforgettable Christmas Lights Switch-On.

“Their incredible catalogue of feel-good hits has stood the test of time and will bring fantastic energy, nostalgia and excitement to the event as we celebrate the start of the festive season together.

“Darwen’s Christmas Lights Switch On is always a brilliant success – we’re proud that it’s grown to be one of the biggest and best Christmas lights events in the whole of Lancashire, with people turning out in their thousands every single year.

“We look forward to Darwen town centre being packed next weekend celebrating the official countdown to Christmas and supporting the wonderful independent businesses that we are so lucky to have here.”

Darwen prepares for the festive season

The annual event is organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council, supported by Darwen Town Council and managed by Crafty Vintage.

Councillor Anthony Shaw, Leader of Darwen Town Council, said:

“We’re inviting everyone to get into the Christmas spirit, pull on their festive jumpers, dust off the flashing accessories and join us in Darwen Market Square for a day packed with entertainment, community spirit and festive fun.

“From the Elf Trail and Father Christmas storytelling to the fire show spectacular and live music, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

“The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On is one of the biggest events in the calendar – Darwen knows how to start the Christmas countdown in style. I can’t wait to see everyone there!

“Get your Christmas jumpers ready, gather your friends and family, and join us next Saturday as Darwen starts the festive season the only way it knows how – with a huge community celebration and a party to remember.”

When is Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026?

Date: Saturday 14 November 2026

Location: Darwen Market Square, Croft Street, Darwen, BB3 1BH

Admission: Free

Market stalls: From 10am

Headline act: Ultrabeat, featuring Rebecca Rudd

The full entertainment timetable, including individual performance times and the exact time of the lights switch-on, has yet to be confirmed.

For the latest event information and updates, visit:

https://discoverdarwen.co.uk/whats-on/darwen-christmas-lights-switch-on-2026/