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City lit up by Christmas show
The best switch-on ever! That was the emphatic verdict from city leaders today as a sea of smiling faces welcomed the start of Christmas 2008 in Preston.
Thousands of families packed the city's Flag Market to dance their way through a raft of star-studded performances and watch a spectacular fireworks display.
Young and old enjoyed entertainment from singers including X Factor finalists Same Difference, former Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton and Big Brother contestant Stephanie McMichael on a cold but dry night.
And as Preston's most famous son, PNE legend Sir Tom Finney, helped press the button to turn on the city centre lights – including a dazzling display in Friargate – organisers said the show had finally erased the bitter memories of last year's switch-on.
Twelve months ago former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan marred the event by greeting the crowd with a foul-mouthed tirade. But there was no such controversy this year.
Ken Hudson, the leader of Preston Council, said: "It was certainly the best ever and we are very grateful to all the sponsors who helped us in putting it on.
"It shows exactly what Preston can do and the enthusiasm that Preston people have for Christmas."
Rock FM DJ Adam Catterall, who hosted the event with his Breakfast Show sidekicks, said: "It was much better this year, Same Difference were fantastic. I think they were a bit more family friendly than Paul Danan!"
Pupils from Withnell Fold Primary School sang Rockin' Around the Shops to kick off the event before former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent, Granada TV's Paul Crone and the rest of the cast of pantomine Aladdin took to the stage to warm up the fans.
North End star Sean St Ledger took part in a Q and A session and reality TV star Stephanie McMichael performed two songs.
Two groups of Shell's Belles cheerleaders performed routines before fans were treated to a dance-off between a street dancer and Father Christmas.
Natasha Hamilton answered questions from young fans about her career before wowing fans with three songs, including her new solo single and Atomic Kitten hit Whole Again.
The screams from young fans hit a crescendo as brother and sister act Same Difference – aka Sean and Sarah Smith – bounded on to the stage and stormed through four numbers.
Finally, as piles of fake snow were fired into the crowds and Christmas songs boomed across the Flag Market, Diana Vickers returned to the big screen to do the countdown before the switch was flicked to welcome in Christmas 2008 and send a stunning array of fireworks into the night sky.
>>See all the pictures from Wednesday's star studded event
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
