Manchester’s countdown to Christmas has begun; as the 4th November saw huge crowds gather around the Town Hall and Albert Square for the Christmas Light Switch on and an evening of live entertainment.
Headlined by last year’s X factor winner, 18-year-old Louisa Johnson – who also was invited to flick the switch – this was an interactive event starting from 7.30pm, with the persistent rain making it all-the-more Mancunian.
Key 103’s DJ Mike Toolan and Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent took to the specially-designed stage as hosts, looking out across a tight-packed audience – which quickly came a sea of umbrellas, but with plenty of spirit.
The Lord Mayor expressed his enthusiasm for the event; and it was even implied that he’d been learning a few steps from the cast of the smash-hit musical ‘Billy Elliot’ – which is coming to Manchester’s Palace Theatre later this month after 10 years in London.
For this was a celebration not just of Manchester’s bright lights (Santa on top of the town hall has at least 100,000 bulbs) but bright sparks – as the celebrations opened with local dance troupe Dancehouse Academy.
Also featured in the evening was a specially-designed video produced by Humanity Hallows; the Manchester Met Student Media Team. The filmmaking team had been invited by the Lord Mayor to the town hall on Saturday morning and made the film in an impressive three days.
Other performers included MOBO nominees M.O and pop group District 12, as well as Louisa Johnson herself.
Local talent was championed also as John Thomson, star of Cold Feet, came to discuss his upcoming role as ‘Abanazar’ in Aladdin at Manchester Opera House. Performers from the Royal Exchange’s festive show Sweet Charity were also in attendance, along with Middleton soul star JP Cooper.
All these acts were building towards the biggest hit of the night – the light turn on itself. Louisa was joined by a series of media stars including comedian Paddy McGuiness, flicking the switch which set the lights shining.
There was massive applause from the audience, followed by a firework display; proof that no amount of rain can dampen Manchester’s talent or spirits. Christmas here we come – and remember, The Christmas markets are coming next, open from Thursday 10th November.
Featured image and gallery: Jack Oliver After eight packed out performances across Europe Kaytranada arrives at Co-Op Live for his largest show on the European leg of his ‘Timeless Tour’. The 23,000 capacity venue is filled with excited fans who eagerly anticipate the start of the show after energetic performances from Pomo, Lou Phelps and…
Featured image: Olivia Taberner and Adomas Lukas Petrauskas From Arc’teryx raincoats to mud-clogged Salomons, we explore how outdoor garments have evolved from fashion trends to functional wear – bringing together communities of young men in the process. What began as a Patagonia jacket and a sunrise ambition soon turned into getting “battered at 3am by…
Featured image: Yas Lucia Mascarenhas and Adomas Lukas Petrauskas Manchester’s inner-city neighbourhood of Moss Side is often portrayed in the media as a dangerous area, plagued by knife crime and shootings. However, one resident and Manchester Met student – Baka Bah – believes this one-sided story doesn’t reflect the true spirit of his community. While…
Featured image: Molly Goble and Nicola Henry In the last five years, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people have risen by 112%, underscoring the critical need for safe, inclusive spaces where queer individuals can find a sense of belonging. Amid this crisis, Queer Lit has emerged as a sanctuary in the form of a literary refuge…
Leave a reply