Christmas Lights Switch on Stars Announced as The Countdown to Christmas in Manchester Begins

Christmas 2015 is set to go off with a mighty bang as this year’s Christmas lights switch on acts and performers have officially been announced!

Manchester’s switch-on celebration is expected to be one of the most successful in the country, with an anticipated audience of thousands set to fill Albert Square. Attendees should get excited to see some incredible performances from some of the most impressive acts in music and entertainment.  

Manchester’s festive celebrations will officially begin on Saturday, 7 November from 7pm until 8pm. It will be an evening full of high-spirits and energetic entertainment in partnership with Key 103.

Making a guest appearance is Coronation Street star, Catherine Tyldesley, of whom will be performing a musical number! Also appearing, is another familiar face from the street; Kym Marsh – well known soap start, there to give a helping hand in pressing the honorary button to light up the streets of Manchester.

Leading the pack of musical acts are Scouting For Girls; the indie-pop band will be performing numbers from their first album in three years- ‘Still Thinking About You’. Not to let down long-standing fans, they will also play some of their classic more recognisable hits, including ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’. Well-loved all over the country, the Christmas lights switch on is a fantastic opportunity to see why they remain one of the UK’s top live acts, in advance of their latest UK tour.

After selling over 2 million albums and having 7 top ten hits, UK R&B singer-songwriter, Lemar is a two time Brit award winner and three time MOBO winner. After recently releasing a new album 'The Letter' Lemar will be at the Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-on to grace the audience with a performance using one of the most distinctive voices of the last decade.

In addition to these headline acts, the city’s festive theatre productions will bring a hint of Broadway to the occasion.

The stars of Manchester’s festive theatre season will be out in force, including cast members from the Opera House’s production of Cinderella and the Lowry's Sound of Music - with a special performance from theatre usher turned The Voice finalist, Lucy O'Bryne.

Also promised, is a special video message from a true Manchester mega-star in advance of the forthcoming musical The Girls at the Lowry.

The Printworks Street Dance 2015 winners; The Aim Sky High Company from Stretford will be getting the blood pumping, they are sure to wow the crowds with their mesmerising winning performance. 

Kicking everything off will be the always brilliant Manchester Show Choir. The group performs pop hits and musical theatre anthems with the force of over 80 voices. This year the choir will be singing a genuine Christmas classic at the switch-on event for an opening act to remember.

A dramatic finale of the switch-on is of course a complete must – a 10 minute firework extravaganza choreographed to music.

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “Everyone knows that I think our Christmas lights should be turned on in August – I just can’t wait for the Christmas season to begin. But when the Giant Santa takes his place at town hall and the countdown to the fireworks begins, something magical happens to Manchester. Our show is the envy of the UK, but it’s only the start of more than six weeks of festive celebrations across the city.”

Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “First and foremost this is a family show, so I hope to see as many families there as possible soaking up the atmosphere and welcome the Christmas season in Manchester. This year’s show is on the weekend for the first time, so this should help as many people as possible get to the event and enjoy the incredible entertainment.”

Hosting the show will be hosted by the much-loved Key 103 drive-time presenter, Debbie Mac.

A completely free event there is no need for tickets. All you need to do is simply wrap up warm, grab your family and friends and get ready to have some fun.

Please note, once Albert Square reaches capacity access into the area will be restricted.

A number of road closures will be in place on the evening - full details to be released.

Follow the action at: #MCRChristmas

And don’t forget to follow Manchester’s biggest tweet, the giant Santa from his perch at town hall, for a different perspective of the city’s Christmas celebrations: @MCRsanta