Britain's Got Talent winner Jai McDowall will perform in Accrington tonight for the Christmas lights switch-on.

The festive fun will kick off at 6pm with entertainment outside the Market Hall before Jai helps flick the Christmas lights switch.

There will also be a fireworks display and shops around the town are staying open longer for families to enjoy late night shopping.

Councillor Clare Cleary, cabinet member for the town centre, said: "Its set to be a fabulous event with a great programme of entertainment and a spectacular firework display and heralds the start of lots of festive events during November and December.”

Accrington town centre is also set for a festive boost after Chamber of Trade members joined forces to launch this year’s Christmas flyer.

The project follows the success of a 2013 Christmas leaflet drop which saw some businesses enjoy a 50 per cent upturn in trade in the lead-up to the festive period.

Traders have now taken even more of an active role in Accrington’s December festivities by helping to organise special Christmas events too.

A total of 45,000 Christmas flyers have been designed and printed by marketing company Scott Dawson Advertising in conjunction with Hyndburn Council.

Hyndburn’s 36,000 homes will receive a copy of the flyer through their letterboxes, while each of the borough’s schools will also receive copies to send home with pupils.

Leisure centres and libraries will also be stocked up with the flyer, which features around 50 Accrington shops and services as well as information on how to shop online at Accrington Market for collection or delivery.

Hyndburn Chamber of Trade members Jim Saron from Bailey’s Menswear, Julie O’Hara from Barbara Kay’s and Raymond Astley from Archway Footwear are helping to organise two events taking in December.

Broadway will be transformed on Saturday, December 13 for a Wonderful Winter Fair, with free mulled wine, chestnuts and mince pies as well as children’s entertainment, rides, choir and jazz band.

The following Saturday, December 20, there will be a pipe band, family fun and Christmas markets in the town centre. Santa will also be giving away cuddly toys and sweets in the Arndale Centre from 12 noon until 3pm.

The Santa’s Grotto in the Market Hall will also open every weekend from Saturday, December 6.

Zain Kiyani, centre manager for Accrington Arndale shopping centre, said: “We can’t wait to see children’s faces light up at the exciting festive events we have lined up as a town.

“Here at the Arndale Centre there’s free parking all year round, late night shopping and a brand new Blue Inc store opening too.

"We’re all working together to round off a great year for Accrington.”