X-Factor sensation James Arthur will switch on Manchester’s dazzling Christmas lights tonight as he headlines the event on Albert Square.
Arthur returns to Manchester one year after claiming the X-Factor crown at the Phones 4u arena and will showcase his new material for the first time.
Councillor Pat Karney hopes that this year’s event will make Manchester the Christmas capital of Britain.
“Our lights switch-on is the official start of the Christmas season in the north west and the beginning of a six week sleigh ride of events and celebrations, which has made Manchester renowned as the Christmas capital of the UK,” he said.
The event which is free to the public starts at 7pm and will also see a performance by up-and-coming band The Vamps who went straight to number two with their debut single Can We Dance.
Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey will also be performing alongside singing-sensation Jodie Prenger before they appear at the Opera House’s Christmas panto Dick Wittington.
Faye Tozer from Steps will give a sneak preview of her Singing In The Rain appearance at the Manchester Opera house alongside Joey the star of the hit theatre show War Horse.
The life-size puppet horse will be on stage before his much anticipated run at the Lowry theatre.
A host of local acts will also be in attendance as the incredibly talented Manchester Show Choir will perform their rendition of a modern Christmas classic Fairy Tale of New York to open proceedings.
While this year’s winners of the distinguished Printworks Street Dance competition Rejectz will perform a mind-blowing routine that is sure to wow the crowds with their intricate choreography.
The switch on will then finish with a 10-minute firework extravaganza at around 9pm as the city’s lights are switched on.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive members for culture and leisure, believes the event will help showcase some of Manchester’s exciting new acts.
“Once again the Christmas lights switch-on line-up has brought some of the country’s most exciting new acts to Manchester,” she said.
“Many will remember this night as the place they saw them play live first! It’s going to be an unforgettable start to the Christmas season.”
For those who can’t make it the event will be streamed live on the Manchester City Council’s Facebook page from 7pm onwards here.
Image courtesy of Eddiemcfish via Flickr, with thanks.
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