Rochdale Town Centre packed for Christmas lights switch on

Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch On 2014
Georgia May Foote

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Rochdale Town Centre was packed as the Christmas lights were switched on to officially start the run up to Christmas.

Hundreds of people lined Yorkshire Street as a parade started the event and even more packed onto The Butts to see the Mayor of Rochdale turn on the lights with guests Georgia May Foote, The Mend, Danny Dearden and Rochdale Hornets.

Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote said: “It has been a good day. I have really enjoyed it and I have enjoyed meeting everyone else involved.”

The event began with a lantern parade from the top of Yorkshire Street, which included pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School, Broadfield Primary School and Hamer Primary School as well as appearances from Captain Jack Sparrow, Lighting McQueen and Peppa Pig.

Once at The Butts, entertainment was provided for the ever-growing crowd by Turners School of Dance, the Carers Choir, The Mend and X Factor star Danny Dearden.

Speaking about the event, Danny said: “It was amazing. It was absolutely fantastic. To be able to help turn the Christmas lights on in my home town is fantastic. The crowd were brilliant and the whole thing has been really good.”

Boy band The Mend echoed Danny’s praise of the event with rapper Kris, who is from Middleton, adding: “We have loved today. It is an honour to be able to do this in my home town.”

The finale was a spectacular firework display lighting up the night sky above the town centre.