WHALLEY will turn into a Dickensian playground once again as crowds flock to the annual Pickwick Night on December 2.

The sights and sounds of Christmas past will come to life as the newly-named Whalley Pickwick Festival.

In its 22nd year, the event, will include an evening of entertainment and shops will stay open until 9pm, with staff dressed in Victorian-style dress.

Last year, organisers had warned the event could fold as sponsorship from businesses had dried up.

But, after fundraising events with the help of the Whalley Chamber of Trade, members of the Pickwick Night committee raised the £5,000 needed to put it on.

Neil Martin, Whalley Pickwick Committee chairman said: “We are delighted to present this event once again and would like to thank everyone involved including Whalley Chamber of Trade, local businesses and individuals.”

The opening ceremony and a carol service will be on a stage at the bus station from 6pm with entertainers including The Seraphins and the Clitheroe Pop Choir along King Street throughout the evening.

There will also be fire eaters, stilt walkers, a children's fancy dress competition and ghost walks.

The centre of Whalley will be closed to traffic throughout the evening with traffic approaching Whalley from the by-pass diverted into the village via Wiswell Lane.

Bus routes through the centre of the village will also be affected.

* Whalley Pickwick Festival takes place in the village centre on Thursday, December 2 from 6pm.