Blackburn Festival Of Light

is a fun and lively way of marking the winter solstice; it’s also intended to provoke thought and conversation about where the city’s been, and where it’s going in the year ahead. The parade goes to the seafront and the grand finale is on the beach, with a huge bonfire, music and pyrotechnics. It’s funded by sponsorship and crowd funding, with personalised lanterns for the biggest supporters. www.samesky.co.uk/events/ burning-the-clocks Blackburn Festival of Light is a lively event, offering a vibrant mix of street theatre, fire performances, illuminated bands and light installations. It takes place on December 15 this year, with a range of shows and activities throughout the day, and with festive fun continuing into the evening. There’s a carol concert in the cathedral at 3pm, and a dramatic parade of lights, lanterns, and costumed splendour at 5pm, followed by fireworks just before 7pm. See the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol performed in the Cathedral after the fireworks. The Blackburn Cathedral Community Theatre group have been polishing their performances for months! A German Christmas market on Cathedral Square will be open all day, so you can get refreshments and do some seasonal shopping. The event offers a festive feast of seasonal delights and good cheer for all ages. www.blackburnfestivaloflight.co.uk

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