Kelly Llorenna to Light Up Darwen this Christmas

Darwen’s biggest festive celebration is back, and this year the spotlight shines on one of the most iconic voices in British dance music.

We’re thrilled to announce that Kelly Llorenna, the powerhouse vocalist who defined a generation of club anthems, will headline the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On on Saturday 15 November.

From Blackburn to the World Stage

Kelly Llorenna became a household name in the 1990s with her unforgettable vocals for N-Trance, creating some of the biggest commercial dance hits of the era. Released through the Blackburn-based label All Around The World Records, songs like Set You Free, Heart of Gold and True Love Never Dies became international anthems, taking British dance music to clubs and festivals around the world.

Now, fresh from a major UK arena tour with Clubland Live, Kelly returns to perform just a few miles from where her incredible journey began — lighting up Darwen Market Square with that unmistakable voice and energy.

A Celebration of Culture, Creativity and Commerce

The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On, proudly delivered by Crafty Vintage in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Darwen Town Council, is about much more than festive lights. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity and commerce, showing how vibrant programming and collaboration can breathe new life into town centres.

Last year’s record-breaking celebration with K Klass drew thousands into Darwen, filling local shops, cafés and bars with festive footfall and community spirit. This year promises to be even bigger, with over ten hours of live entertainment, festive markets, family activities, delicious food, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.

The Line Up is Building

Kelly will lead the countdown to Christmas, but she won’t be alone. The full line up will be announced soon, with more fantastic additions on the way. Expect a day filled with music, laughter and festive cheer right in the heart of Darwen.

At Crafty Vintage, we believe that when people, music and markets come together, towns come alive. The Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On captures that spirit perfectly — a shining example of how local creativity continues to drive connection, pride and economic growth across the North West.

Read the full announcement at darwentowncentre.co.uk