Visitors heading into Blackburn for this year’s Christmas lights switch on are being encouraged to leave the car at home and take advantage of a special £1 return bus fare.

Bus operator Transdev Lancashire United has joined forces with switch on organisers Blackburn BID (Business Improvement District) and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council by running the reduced ticket offer to help tackle congestion on one of the town’s busiest nights of the year.

The festive lights will be switched on on Thursday November 19 and the family event features a celebrity line-up including singer, dancer and former talent show judge Alesha Dixon and Phoenix Nights star Ted Robbins.

To help people get to and from the event and to avoid traffic problems in Blackburn ahead of the festivities, Transdev Lancashire United is offering a £1 return fare from anywhere in Blackburn and Hyndburn.

Alex Hornby, chief executive at Transdev Lancashire United, said: “This year’s Christmas lights switch on promises to be a great event for all the family and we are proud to be involved.

“We pride ourselves on supporting the local community and economy where we operate and this partnership reflects our commitment to Blackburn.”

Harriet Roberts, Blackburn BID manager, said: “We are excited that Transdev is working in partnership with us with this great offer, to help bring more people to the Christmas lights switch on. It is the perfect opportunity to leave the car at home and enjoy a family festive trip.”

Also performing will be X Factor’s Jake Quickenden, Britain’s Got Talent’s Henry Gallagher, and Ella Shaw from Langho with girl band, Tiger Heart.

Special guests will include superbike champion and King of the Jungle, Carl Fogarty, soap star Peter Gunn and Alex Bain who plays Simon Barlow on Coronation Street.