The Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza is back for 2026, with The Robbie Williams Experience, a viral TikTok singing sensation and a fantastic line-up of festive entertainment set to bring thousands of people together for a magical day in the heart of the town.
Taking place on Saturday 12th December from 12pm to 5:30pm, the hugely popular, free-to-attend event, sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, promises an action-packed afternoon of live entertainment on the main stage, a brass band performance, family attractions, funfair rides, an elf trail, a Christmas market and much more.
Shops on the high street will also be open during the event, providing plenty of opportunities for some Christmas shopping.
Headlining this year’s celebrations will be The Robbie Williams Experience, starring talented performer and TV actor Tom Vaughan, who will bring the music, charisma and unmistakable swagger of one of Britain’s biggest pop icons to the Great Harwood main live stage.
Tom has appeared in popular television programmes including Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, as well as films including A Working Man and The Beekeeper 2.
He will take to the stage at 4:45pm for a spectacular performance featuring Robbie Williams classics such as ‘Angels’, ‘Rock DJ’, ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and ‘Feel’, promising a fantastic singalong for the crowds.
There will be plenty more star-studded entertainment throughout the afternoon, including a special Taylor Swift tribute at 4:15pm, celebrating the global superstar’s biggest hits such as ‘Shake It Off’, ‘Love Story’, ‘Blank Space’ and ‘Cruel Summer’.
Sabrina Carpenter fans will also be in for a treat at 2:45pm, with a tribute to the American pop sensation featuring favourites including ‘Espresso’, ‘Please Please Please’ and ‘Taste’.
K-Pop fans won’t be disappointed either, with an exciting tribute performance at 3:15pm, followed by a special meet and greet in Santa’s Grotto at 3:45pm.
Adding to the line-up will be Korean singer-songwriter and TikTok star Sungjoon, who has amassed more than 900,000 social media followers and over 30 million views with his viral cover of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’. He will perform on the main stage at 3:45pm.
The festivities will kick off in style at 12pm with a special parade led by Great Harwood Rovers, making its way from Towngate down Queen Street to the main stage, marking the start of what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of Christmas celebrations.
Main stage entertainment will then get underway at 12:30pm with BCMT: Burnley College Musical Theatre, followed by the Helen Green Academy of Dance at 1pm, main stage host Gavin Young as Michael Bublé at 1:30pm, House of Fusion Dance and Community Arts at 2pm and the Hyndburn Choir at 2:15pm.
Away from the main stage, Queen Street will be transformed into a Christmas market with festive craft, food and drink stalls, alongside charity and community stalls, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to enjoy some Christmas shopping and support local traders.
There will also be funfair rides, a brass band performance outside Finch Bakery at 12:15pm, and free Christmas card-making workshops in the main event gazebo near the stage throughout the day. Workshops will accommodate 12 children per session and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Youngsters can also look forward to an Elf Shop Trail through businesses along Queen Street, with further details to be announced.
And of course, Father Christmas will be making a special appearance in the FREE Santa’s Grotto from 2:30pm, where children can meet Santa and receive a free selection box, while stocks last.
New for 2026 is a special ‘Local Champion’ competition, giving one deserving member of the Great Harwood community the chance to play a starring role in the event’s magical finale.
Members of the public are being invited to nominate and vote for a local hero who has made a real difference to the community, whether through volunteering, fundraising, helping others or simply going above and beyond.
The chosen champion will be invited onto the main stage to push the plunger following the big Christmas countdown, triggering a magical snowfall moment to bring the celebrations to a spectacular close.
To nominate a local hero for consideration, visit this website www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/great-harwood/#Nominate explaining who you are nominating and why by 5pm on Friday 13th November. The winner will be announced ahead of the event.
Cllr Kate Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, said: “The Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza has become a fantastic event for the town over the years, bringing families, friends and the whole community together.
“With another fantastic line-up of live entertainment, Christmas stalls and plenty of free festive activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re delighted to support the event again this year and I’d encourage everyone to come down on Saturday 12th December, soak up the atmosphere and join in the fun!”
The Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza takes place on Saturday 12th December, from 12pm to 5:30pm, and is completely free to attend.
For the latest event news and updates, visit www.facebook.com/greatharwoodevents
