Stars light up switch-on extravaganza (with video)
X Factor star Jamie Archer rocked a crowd of more than 7,000 as Christmas arrived in Preston.
The afro-haired singer arrived on stage to a crescendo of screams from the crowd gathered for the Christmas lights switch-on at the city's Flag Market before opening with a cover of 'Mr Brightside' by The Killers.
He then performed Christina Aguilera hit 'Hurt' before ending with a storming performance of 'Sex on Fire' by Kings of Leon including a mass sing-along with the crowd.
Speaking backstage after the gig, he said: "It was definitely the biggest crowd I have played to and they seemed to enjoy it and I had a great time.
"The reception was brilliant, the crowd was just crazy."
He revealed that he has "loads of work" coming up with a tour around the country followed by the nationwide X Factor tour.
Jamie said: "After that it will be straight into the studio to record an album, so you will definitely be seeing more of me."
Earlier in the day, the crowd braved persistent rain to enjoy performances from pop band Alphabeat, girl group Mini Viva, who performed top ten hit song Left My Heart in Tokyo, and former Bucks Fizz member Sally Jaxx.
There were also performances from Burnley's Holly Steel, the star of Britain's Got Talent, Longton acoustic guitarist Mike Dignam and Wigan-based former X Factor singer Laura White.
See The Evening Post on Monday for a three-page special on Preston's Christmas switch-on
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Weather for Preston
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
