Festival of Light
Blackburn Town Centre
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Festival of the Moon
Your guide to everything that’s happening in Blackburn throughout the festive period.
The Moon has landed
This Christmas, Blackburn will be bathed in moonlight as the Festival of the Moon lights up the town centre.
To celebrate the spectacular lunar installation by UK artist Luke Jerram landing at Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn town centre will be transformed with a stellar line-up of events, performances, workshops, light shows and a parade. From a spectacular Christmas lights switch on event and captivating Moon Light Trail to live music and the amazing Blackburn Festival of Light, Discover Blackburn this Christmas… it will be out of this world!
Event Viewing Times
Check the individual events below for exact times and locations
Festival of the Moon Events
Christmas, Family, Festival of the Moon, Music
Throughout December
Blackburn Festival of Light’s Street Band
The Bureau Centre for the Arts
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Events for all the family to enjoy
Christmas, Family
Various dates in December – check out the listing
Santa’s Grotto – Blackburn Town Centre
5a Town Hall Street
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Check out these great Christmas themed events around town
Festive Pop-Up Tavern
Get ready to step into Christmas… an exciting new festive tavern is popping-up in Blackburn town centre on 12/12 and you will want to visit!
From the most fabulous festive food to the tastiest Christmas cocktails, heavenly hot chocolates and even elf juice for the little ones!
Plus, a packed line-up of entertainment taking you from day to night
Escape to Escapades… everyone is welcome, including your four-legged friends
Be sure to give us a follow to be the first to find out more and share away – your friends and family won’t want to miss this
Pop Escapades at the top of your list of things to do this Christmas!
Click here for more details
The Firepit Tipi
After the massive success of last year, The Firepit is delighted to announce their Tipi has returned and this year it comes packed with events.
From family friendly crafting workshops and wreath-making, through to a silent disco and lots of live music acts – this year looks to be better than ever.
At The Firepit they aim to serve you an experience you will never forget and with the timely addition of Tipi, this has never been more true.
The programme of events can be accessed below, many of which are completely free but do check out those that need booking as we know the tickets will go fast and we wouldn’t want you to miss out.
If you are looking for a few drinks to enhance the experience, you can be assured of a wide selection of both cocktails and mocktails, to cater for all tastes.
Click here for more details
You won’t leave hungry!
With so many exciting events throughout the festive period, you’ll want to make sure you eat well to keep up your energy levels up. Good news – Blackburn has you covered.
If you are looking for a snack before the big event or maybe even to have something in your hand whilst attending them, 16th Street does a great burger, Checks & Greys or RF Patisserie are good for a sandwich or slice of cake, whilst The Market has you covered with variety of options to keep the whole family happy.
For food post the events, a curry at the highly rated Thira, Akbar’s or Saffron Street looks appealing. Toros steakhouse is always popular, or maybe you fancy the Turkish delights at Kobeda Palace.
If it’s a little treat you are after, then Heavenly Desserts and Haute Dolci provide options that will please anyone.
If you are looking to meet up with friends before one of the events, then we have a mixture of lively or cosy places for a quick drink, depending on your vibe.
Cocktails and lively music? Then head to either Turtle bay or The Firepit for an exciting selection of drinks and you might even catch some live music.
Talking of live music, for the craft beer lovers, we have two options perfectly placed next to each other, The Drummer’s Arms and The Rock Box, both of whom offer plenty of choice and are known for having live bands on most weekends.
And if you are looking for a few unlicensed options, Bubbles and Boba or even the Mad Hatters Tea Room might be more your vibe.
Make time to get that perfect gift
If you are coming into town for one of the events, it could be the perfect opportunity to grab those all important Christmas gifts – or maybe even a treat for yourself! In Blackburn we’ve got the perfect mixture of big brands and local, independent shops.
If you head to The Mall, you’ll find all the names you’d expect; Primark, JD, Waterstones, M&S, H&M, Flannels – the list goes on. To learn more about all the shops within The Mall, click here.
Did you know we’ve got three different retail parks? We do and they have more great brands for shopping. Next, Argos, TK Maxx and Matalan are just a few of the places you’ll find for buying that the perfect Christmas gift.
For those looking to find something unique and to support local retailers, why not check out some of the great independent shops in town and on the high street. Bespoke jewellery at Ainsworth, men’s clothing at Emporium, all your crafting needs at Hobkirks, or unique gifts at The Bat Cave.
Crafting This Christmas
The Festival of the Moon includes multiple events for the whole family, with an emphasis on crafting, making and the spoken word.
It’s a great opportunity to make something special for the holiday season, maybe even a unique present for those relatives you can never choose a good present for!
Create your own copper baubles, design a space magnet or make a moon pendent. Hear stories like HG Wells first man on the moon or learning about Ramadan. You might even listen to some Moon inspired Jazz – we really do have everything for you!
What’s On
Christmas Shopping Times
The Mall’s Late Night Shopping
The Mall is running late night shopping on the following days
- Saturday 23rd November – 9am – 7pm (Light switch on day)
- Monday 16th December – 9am – 7pm
- Tuesday 17th December – 9am – 7pm
- Wednesday 18th December – 9am – 7pm
- Thursday 19th December – 9am – 7pm
- Friday 20th December – 9am – 7pm
- Saturday 21st December – 9am – 7pm
- Monday 23rd December – 9am – 7pm
The Market – Special Sunday Opening
The Market has added extra days for you to grab those Christmas essentials.
- Opening on Sundays throughout December
- 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December (Sundays) 10.30am until 4.30pm
- Monday 23rd December – normal hours
- Tuesday 24th December – 8.00 am until 4.00pm
