A fabulous festive line-up for Christmas in Chorley has been announced, with a range of events, activities and special guests.
Christmas in Chorley will kick off in style with the annual Christmas Lights Switch On taking place on Sunday 16 November with special guests and entertainment.
Organiser, Chorley Council, has announced that vicar, broadcaster, author, and TV personality, the Reverend Richard Coles will be the special guest doing the honours of turning Chorley’s Christmas lights on for 2025!
The former pop star was one half of 1980s band The Communards and the world’s only vicar to have had a number-one hit record! He’s also well-known as a broadcaster, a best-selling crime writer, as well as many TV appearances including ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ where he spoke about Chorley Football Club.
The Reverend Richard Coles will be joined on stage by Chorley FC representatives for the big switch on at 5pm. This will follow an afternoon of entertainment.
BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver will host the afternoon’s entertainment on the Market Street stage and interview the special guests ahead of the big switch on.
The Christmas Lights Switch On is sponsored by Chorley Eats and Lockdown Kitchen and Bar.
For those who can’t resist a shopping opportunity, the Totally Locally Chorley Christmas Market will take place on the same day, from 10am to 6pm, with over fifty local stalls with gifts, artisan drinks, street food, crafts and so much more, as well as children’s face painting, craft workshops and opportunities to meet Santa and the Grinch.
Plus, some of the perimeter stalls on Chorley’s covered market will be open 10am – 3pm, with the 1498 Food and Drink area open until 6pm.
Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council said: “We’re looking forward to once again bringing a range of festive events and activities to Chorley for people to enjoy this Christmas.
“Thanks to Chorley FC, we’ve been able to secure a fantastic well-known special guest for the Christmas Lights Switch On which is always enjoyed by thousands that attend the event.
“The popular Pantomime, Santa’s Grotto and Winter Wonderland will also be back in Chorley this Christmas which bring many visitors to the town which in turn supports our fabulous local businesses and attractions and an opportunity to show people what Chorley has to offer.”
Santa will be in his Grotto in Astley Hall on Saturdays and Sundays from 29 November to 21 December.
Three performances of Sleeping Beauty, a pantomime by M&M Theatrical Productions, will take place at Chorley Town Hall on Sunday 14 December.
Entry to the Panto and Santa’s Grotto will be by pre-booked tickets. More information and tickets can be found at checkoutchorley.com/christmas
Winter Wonderland will return to Cleveland Street car park from 13 December to 4 January (except Christmas Day) with its real ice rink, festive tipis and children’s rides. Information on pricing, session times and more will be available soon.
See checkoutchorley.com/christmas for more information about Christmas in Chorley.
If you can’t make the Christmas Lights Switch On or want another opportunity to see the Reverend Richard Coles, the Magpies Trust are holding ‘an evening with The Reverend Richard Coles’ on 15 November at Victory Park. Find out more about how to get your tickets and prices at https://magpiestrust.org/blogs/news/an-evening-with