Thousands of people turned out last night to watch popular Bolton comedian Paddy McGuinness switch on the town’s Christmas Lights.
There was never any doubt over Paddy’s well-known catchphrase ‘no likey, no lighty’ as a crowd of around 6,500 packed into Victoria Square – the biggest audience the event has seen in recent years.
Paddy, who was born and raised in Daubhhill, said he’d had the honour of turning on the lights for other towns but never his hometown.
He said: “I’ve been out there as a child watching the lights being turned on numerous of times over the years. Whenever I’ve been asked to turn on Bolton’s though, I’ve always been away, because this time of year I’m usually filming Take Me Out.
“This time we tried to work the date out and I’m glad we did because this is the one I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. I am so proud and so humbled. I feel totes emosh!”
From 5.30pm, crowds were treated to live performances from local band Jordan Allen, The Voice singer Hayley Eccles, Tommy Holland as Elvis and tribute band Slade UK.
Also taking to the stage were the Bolton Baton Twirlers, Dance Fusion, All Starz Children’s Workshop, the cast of this year’s pantomime at the Albert Halls, Cinderella, and members of the Octagon Theatre.
A spectacular lantern parade made its way into the square marking the inaugural Bolton Light Festival, with the help of Neo Artists, Bolton.
Around 35 lanterns of all shapes and sizes had been made by community groups at workshops led by Bolton Cultural Partnership, which includes Bolton Library and Museum Services and the Octagon Theatre. A further thirty lanterns were made by Bolton at Home.
The parade also included giant lanterns donated by New Mills lantern festival including a fifteen foot tall elephant, the symbol of Bolton.
Following the evening’s entertainment, guests and performers welcomed the arrival of Father Christmas, before Paddy switched on the lights at 7pm.
Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: "Our Christmas Lights Switch On event is always a great night out for all the family and Paddy was a really popular guest this year. We had lots of children from local schools taking part in the parade, which was lovely to see and the crowd on Victoria Square was as far as the eye could see.
“This now marks the start of a fabulous season of fun for all the family in the run up to Christmas, so we hope people will come back soon to visit the ice rink, have a turn on the giant snow slide or see Santa in his grotto.”
Nikki Wilson Cook, Centre Manager for Market Place, who sponsored the switch-on said: "The event was a huge success – one of my favourite Light Switch-on events to date. This was the first year we held a lantern parade and I really hope this becomes an attraction every year. Activities began from 3.15pm with Christmas baubles, fairies, puddings and elves (amongst other characters) dancing and prancing around the centre. The atmosphere at Market Place was electric with crowds of very happy faces roaming the malls enjoying the spectacular attractions on display. There was also a vast selection of music on offer, including an Elvis tribute performer, who got the crowds in the Christmas spirit!”
Bolton’s Winter Festival takes place from December 2 to January 7 and features a giant snow slide, covered ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and Christmas markets.
Visit the Winter Festival website to buy tickets and for more information, visit @BoltonWinterFestival on Facebook or @BoltonWinterFes on Twitter.
Free parking is also available weekdays after 3pm, until January 5, in the Octagon, Topp Way and Deane Rd multi-storey car parks.