A teenage singing sensation entertained hundreds of people at Accrington Town Hall’s first ever wedding fair.

Harris Hameed, fresh from his appearance on BBC talent show The Voice, was the surprise guest turn at the fair which celebrated a full refurbishment of the Town Hall’s Ballroom to become East Lancashire’s newest wedding reception venue.

The teenager, who is still in contact with the show’s judge will.i.am, said it was a ‘fantastic event’ and he was delighted to be able to perform.

More than 500 people flocked to the venue to see the revamped facilities, including two new bars, a fully sprung dancefloor and colour effect lighting.

They sampled food, favours and more from 26 exhibitors from across the region.

Charlotte Edmondson, from Huncoat, queued from 8.30am to be the first to bag £500 off her wedding reception after hearing on Facebook that the first 10 bookings on the day would receive an exclusive discount.

She is engaged to marry Ashley Lockley, who is due to travel to Cyprus with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The fair’s Hollywood meets Bollywood theme saw a second fashion show courtesy of Accrington bridal shop Anne Whittaker.

Julie O’Hara, from Barbara Kay’s in Accrington, one of the event exhibitors, said: “It’s great for Accrington to see the Town Hall come to life once again and two cultures coming together.

“This puts Accrington on the weddings map for the future. It was one of the first Asian catwalk shows I’d seen and it was just wonderful.”

Other performers at the event included Accrington acoustic singer Alex Birtwell – who also compered the event - Bollywood artist Kiran and swing singer Josh Hindle.

Kerry Smith, cultural services manager at Hyndburn Leisure, said: “The fair was a lovely mix of English and Asian fusion – everybody left with a smile on their faces.”

Jim Saron, from Bailey’s Menswear and vice president of the Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said: “For a first time event it was very good indeed – a beautiful building and a great turnout of more than 500 people attending.”

The event was organised by marketing agency Scott Dawson Advertising.

Managing director Murray Dawson said they will be organising other events in Accrington this year in a bid to “boost civic pride”.