Borough set to dazzle this festive season as the Christmas Lights sparkle in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk

• Events in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk will start the celebrations
• Mayor will officially turn on the lights
• Crowds will enjoy great music, delicious food and family fun

West Lancashire will this year launch its Christmas celebrations with not one, but two Christmas lights switch-on events.

With the fitting backdrop of the brand-new Tawd Valley Centre, Skelmersdale will be first to shine on Saturday 19 November with live music from 11am. A fantastic music set arranged by the E-rooms will welcome local headliners Apostles, supported by Big Bambora.

The Rock Choir and Showbiz Academy will also be providing some spontaneous entertainment as well as incredible vocal performances and the famous Skelmersdale Prize Band will play traditional Christmas carols to really get visitors and shoppers in the festive mood.

A 'Frost Fair' by Artisan Network North-West will also stage its Christmas-themed market while the world-famous Silcocks family provide 'all the fun of the fair' for families. Free Christmas craft activities will continue to entertain children in the West Lancs Zone from 4pm to 7pm with interactive activities for teens from the 'Youth Bus'.

The lights will be officially switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of West Lancashire, Councillor Mrs. Marilyn Westley.

It will be Ormskirk's turn to dazzle on Sunday 20 November from 12 noon. A music stage will be located close to the Clock Tower for the headline act The Funtime Frankies to perform their unforgettable show of high-octane renditions of popular hits performed with tons of energy and audience interaction.

The Rock Choir and Showbiz Academy will also entertain crowds with their incredible vocals and there'll be audience participation and fun and games taking place between stage performances with the crowd-pleasing Acro Chaps . The Skelmersdale Prize Band will once again be on hand to warm hearts with renditions of much-loved Christmas favourites and there will be carols and readings led by local church leaders on the main stage

If shopping or food & drink is high on your agenda, market stalls on Moor Street will provide a chance for Christmas shopping and enjoying delicious hot food and festive treats while Santa prepares for the festive season at The Chapel. Silcocks will also return with their family-friendly fairground rides.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Mayor as Ormskirk once again sparkles and shines as a destination of choice this festive season 

Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader of the Council and portfolio holder for Communities and Community Safety, said "We'll be putting on a really impressive show this Christmas for everyone in the Borough and I'm delighted we can stage these kind of events to bring everyone together and spread some Christmas cheer in our communities.

"To be able to showcase some incredible people, including local bands and businesses is a huge bonus, so come along with your family and friends and support them while enjoying these fantastic events."