On Saturday, November 29, Chorley town centre will be awash with illuminations, treats and entertainment.

This year, the town has its very own synthetic ice rink and the entertainment will be spread across three zones including Christmas past on Market Street, Christmas present on Cleveland Street and Christmas future on the outskirts of the Flat Iron Market.

Organised by Chorley Council, this year's celebrations will once again have a Dickensian theme with dignitaries, traders and visitors dressing up.

There will be entertainment from clog dancers, bands, youth dance groups and more, as well as pantomime performances from CADOS and Pendle Productions and children's fairground rides, Santa's grotto in Market Walk, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, a hog roast and jacket potatoes to keep everyone warm.

Coun Peter Malpas said: "There will be a whole afternoon of entertainment for all the family, which will build up to the annual parade at 4pm and the lights switch on at 5pm with spectacular fireworks shortly after."

BBC Radio Lancashire will be broadcasting the Steve Royle breakfast show live from the town centre from 9am and hosting the main stage on Market Street from midday onwards.

Chorley FM is taking over the Chorley Smile community trailer near the Flat Iron Market.

Chorley's Christmas Celebrations also marks the beginning of Christmas late night shopping in the town centre as traders are invited to open late and on Sundays, and, there will be free parking every day of the week from 4pm.

Chorley Film Society has teamed up with Chorley Council's Smile campaign to present the perfect end to the day of the town's Christmas celebrations.

The classic family film 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' is at Chorley Little Theatre on Saturday November 29, at 7.30pm - after the Christmas lights switch-on.

Starring Gonzo The Great as Charles Dickens and Michael Caine as Scrooge, the film is a retelling of Dickens' tale but with added frogs.

Tickets are just £3 (on the door or from Malcolm's Musicland) with profits going to the Mayor's charity.