Manchester switches on the lights

Manchester's popular Christmas lights switch-on event is set to take place on November 8th in Albert Square, which is home to the city's iconic town hall.

The lights will be turned on by Manchester's very own 2005 X Factor winner Shayne Ward, who will be joined by stars from the city's theatres for an evening of live entertainment.

Manchester's light display will be switched on at 18:30 GMT and there will be a fireworks finale sometime after 19:00 GMT. For those who arrive early, carol singers will be on hand from 18:00 GMT.

Councillor Pat Karney said: "It's great to have a home-grown star to lead our fantastic Christmas lights switch-on with something for all the family.

"It is always one of the biggest events of the year and a great way to kick off the festive season of events in the city."

The centrepiece of Manchester's Christmas light display will be a brand new ten-metre tall Santa covered in 100,000 low-energy light bulbs, perched on a platform over the town hall.

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