Organisers of the festive lights switch-on are keen to avoid repeating last year's antics when reality television star Paul 'Dangerous' Danan launched into a four-letter tirade in front of a 3,000-strong crowd after over-indulging on Christmas spirits.

As a result this year alcohol has been banned before the yet unnamed celebrities turn on the lights at the Flag Market.

Mark Whittle of North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, which is organising the event, said: "There will be no alcohol before they go on stage.

"It's always been family friendly except unfortunately when you get people who think they are bigger than they are."

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the chamber, said: "We are delighted that the full programme is now in place and we, alongside our partners Rock FM, are committed to bringing an amazing evening's entertainment to kick-start our Christmas season.

"Our star line up is complete and will be exclusively revealed in the Evening Post over the coming weeks."

Former mayor Coun Christine Abram, who was at last year's switch-on, said of the alcohol ban: "That's good. Before the lights went on last year, we had a reception in the Harris Library and there were no soft drinks or coffee – there was just wine.

"It was terrible – I had to get security in to go up on the stage. We have to be careful about who we invite."

This year's full line-up for the switch-on remains a mystery though it is likely ex-Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent and Granada Reports presenter Paul Crone, who are starring in the Aladdin pantomime at the Charter Theatre, will play a part.

Mr Danan was handed an £80 on-the-spot fine and sacked from his role as Jack in the annual pantomime at the Charter Theatre after last year's incident.

It was claimed he splashed out £90 on booze afterwards to drown his sorrows and expected Guild Hall bosses to foot the bill. Since the incident, the ex-Hollyoaks star was accused of being rude and drunk at the finals of Miss Student UK in Derby.

This year's switch-on will take place on Wednesday November 19, with Hywel and Jamie broadcasting live on Rock FM. The entertainment starts at around 5.30pm.

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