Live entertainment, a magical lantern parade and a Christmas lights switch-on led by local sporting and music stars to launch Burnley’s festive season
Burnley is getting ready for a sparkling start to the festive season as Burnley Believes returns on Saturday 14 November 2026, bringing families, performers and community groups together for a day of entertainment and celebration.
Organised by Burnley BID and supported this year by Southerns Solicitors, the event starts at 12pm and promises live music, free activities and a magical Lantern Parade, culminating in the Christmas lights switch-on and snow cannon finale.
A line-up of local favourites will join the Mayor, Cllr Saeed Chaudhary, for the big Christmas lights switch-on. Burnley FC Women’s player Naomi Hartley, Burnley FC mascots Bertie and Bella, Burnley Cricket Club players Ockert Erasmus, Daniel Pickup, Callum Clarke and Bharat Tripathi, singer Channy, food influencer Dad the Dish and Radio Burnley’s Lee and Phil will lead the countdown, with snow cannons adding a flurry of festive snow as Burnley lights up for Christmas.
Throughout the day across St James’s Street and Curzon Street, visitors can enjoy free crazy golf and face painting, follow a family trail for the chance to win a £50 gift card and visit the funfair. The Magical Bubble Performer will entertain crowds with spectacular giant bubbles, while a magical snow globe will provide the perfect setting for festive photographs.
Burnley FC Women will be bringing more festive fun to St James’s Street, with visitors invited to test their aim at snowball throwing alongside Buddy the Elf, guess how many footballs are in the jar and spin the wheel for the chance to win prizes. Players from the women’s team will be making appearances throughout the day with opportunities for supporters to capture a festive selfie in their photo booth.
Food lovers can join local influencer Dad the Dish for a Festive Food Crawl, sampling festive fayre at eateries across the town while supporting a good cause. Meanwhile, Burnley Market will bring a flavour of Christmas to Market Square at Charter Walk with its outdoor festive markets.
At the heart of the celebrations will be the main stage on St James’s Street, where Radio Burnley’s Lee and Phil will welcome a packed programme of local performers and special guests.
Taking to the stage will be Burnley College of Performing Arts, Burnley Youth Theatre, Next Level Dance, Rodeo Duo, Dynamic Dance Studio, Ashworth’s Dance Academy, Cliviger Holme School Choir, Basically Cheer, Act 1 Beginners and more.
The line-up also features Brazen Brass Band as part of Burnley’s new Festival of Music and Culture, as well as local DJ Sam Cheyte, pop sensation Channy, Lancashire food influencer and social media personality, Dad the Dish and acclaimed Burnley musician and writer Boff Whalley.
At 4pm, the celebrations will take to the streets as the Lantern Parade sets off from Curzon Street, accompanied by the powerful drumming of Batala Lancaster. The parade will bring a procession of light, colour and music through the town.
The parade is supported by Burnley Leisure & Culture who thanks to funding through Burnley Council’s Community Pride Small Grants Programme have commissioned local artists to work with schools and community groups to create a series of large puppets and lanterns inspired by local folklore and stories. The groups involved include New Neighbours Together, New Era, Basically Cheer, West End Community Centre and Team Rise, as well as Cliviger School.
Everyone is welcome to join the parade on the day, whether they have made a lantern or simply want to be part of the celebrations.
The day reaches its festive high point at 5.15pm, when the Mayor, Cllr Saeed Chaudhary, and this year’s special guests switch on Burnley’s Christmas lights, accompanied by a flurry of snow from snow cannons.
Jason Cothliff, Burnley BID Project Manager, said: “There’s something special about seeing Burnley’s streets filled with families enjoying themselves, local talent taking to the stage and community groups coming together to celebrate. That’s what Burnley Believes is all about, and we’ve got a fantastic programme lined up for this year.
“Visitors can make a day of it, enjoying the entertainment alongside a spot of Christmas shopping or something to eat at one of our local cafés and restaurants. With the Lantern Parade leading into the lights switch-on, there’s plenty to look forward to as we get Burnley’s festive season under way.”
Charlotte Steels, Head of Culture with Burnley Leisure and Culture, said: “The lantern parade has been an important part of past celebrations and in the run up to Burnley 2027 Year of Culture it was important that we work with local groups to create something magical – with pieces that are unique to Burnley. We’re excited to see what the groups produce and look forward to seeing all of our wonderful makers at the parade. We would like to thank Burnley Council for funding the workshops and Burnley Market Hall for agreeing to display the lanterns and puppets beyond the parade for everyone to enjoy.”
Lee Roe from Radio Burnley said: “There’s something truly special about seeing Burnley come together to celebrate the start of Christmas and last year’s event on St James’s Street was a fantastic reminder of just how much community spirit this town has.
“Phil and I had an incredible time hosting the event and we’re absolutely thrilled that Burnley BID has invited us back to do it all again this year. Filled with brilliant local talent and live entertainment, it’s an event that brings smiles to thousands of faces.
“At Radio Burnley, we’re passionate about celebrating our town and the people who make it special, so being part of one of Burnley’s biggest events of the year is something we’re genuinely proud of. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
