Soap hardman Steve flicks the switch that means Preston's Christmas has started
Thousands braved the rain and a freezing night to watch Eastenders star Steve McFadden turn on the Christmas lights
Steve McFadden, aka soap hardmanPhil Mitchell, did the honours after performances and appearances from Union J, The Drifters’ Ray Lewis, CBeebies’ Katy Ashworth, BBC 1’s Let It Shine star Kyle Passmore and opera singer Sean Ruane.
Prior to the Switch On, Santa’s reindeer made a flying visit to the Flag Market between 2pm and 4pm.
The lights switch-on ushers in the start of Christmas, with late night shopping from Wednesday, December 6 and free parking in some city centre car parks.