Punters enjoying the switch on of Preston's Christmas lights have said the event was a big improvement on last year's celebrations.
An estimated 5,000 fans packed the Flag Market to enjoy Wednesday night's extravaganza.
Kate Stewart, 26, from Ashton, Preston, was at the event with daughter Ella, six.
She said: "It has got a really good atmosphere and I would say it is better than last year. They should have more things like this."
Darrell Shaw, 20, from Grange, Preston, said: "There are a few more stalls and more things to keep the kids entertained.
"They have made a good effort with it, it is a big difference to what it normally looks like down here."
Lindsay Jennis, 38, from Preston, was with her husband Dean, also 38, and their daughters Lauren, nine, Kelsey, 13 and Leonie, 10.
See a slideshow of the switch on hereShe said: "It is nice. I think the line-up is good because they are all the same sort of thing, it is all like High School Musical and all the kids are into that."
Martin White, 48, from Ribbleton, was with his partner Pat Woodfine, 47. He said: "They could do with a few more things like this to get more people coming in."
The stars of the switch-on were united in their praise for the city.
Girlband Velvet Kiss told the Evening Post the crowd was "amazing" and that the event was one of the highlights of their career so far.
Group member Diva said: "We are used to clubs and universities and this was all outdoors and families and it was really nice, it was great."
Asked to describe the highlight of her pop career, former Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton told fans: "Apart from being here tonight of course, we were here a few years back and it absolutely lashed down and everyone got soaked but a big thumbs up to everyone who stayed then. That was a great night."
PNE's Sean St Ledger also delighted the watching masses by reliving his team's 3-1 away victory over Blackpool.
He said: "Winning a football match is the best feeling in the world and beating your local rivals the donkey lashers, is great."
He said if he could be any player in the world, he would be David Beckham.
The final word went to Sean, from X Factor finalists Same Difference. He told the crowd pop mogul and X Factor judge Simon Cowell had given them a record deal.
>>See all the pictures from Wednesday's star studded event>> Vote in our latest web poll
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