THOUSANDS of people are expected at Barnoldswick's annual Fireworks Fantasia next weekend.

It is hoped that the event, on Sunday November 6, will put Barnoldswick firmly on the map as a visitor destination and boost the town's tourism economy.

Barnoldswick Town Council has secured a number of grants to help stage the spectacle at Victory Park, which this year will have the added attraction of live music.

Coun David Whipp said: "We will have bands providing a repertoire for all the family. We have also got a surprise visual spectacular to go ahead on the night and all the other entertainment that we have become used to in terms of street performers and jugglers.

"It is stacking up to be an even bigger and better event than the previous years."

Organisers are hoping to pull in even more visitors this year following a decision by Craven District Round Table not to hold a bonfire and fireworks display in Skipton.

Coun Whipp added: "We can actually accommodate 40,000 people on that site. We are encouraging Craven and Skipton families to come across to Barnoldswick where they can be sure there is a very warm welcome and a fireworks display better than they have ever seen."

A grant of £8,000 was secured from the North West Development Agency and £10,000 from Pendle's events fund.

Coun Whipp added: "It is all part of a strategy to draw visitors into the area and get West Craven and Barnoldswick on the map as a visitor destination."

Fireworks Fantasia runs from 4pm to 6.30pm and admission is £4 for adults and £2 for children.

Meanwhile an extravagant Christmas lights switch-on event is also being planned in Barnoldswick. It will take place in conjunction with the continental Christmas market organised by the Chamber of Trade, which run in the Town Square from Friday November 18 to Sunday November 20.

The actual switch-on will take place on the Saturday at 6.30pm, with a host of other attractions throughout the day, including a free skating rink. There are even plans for a celebrity to officially open the event.

Coun Whipp said: "The biggest problem is fitting it all in because it is going to be heaving."