'Double whammy' for Wigan’s lights switch-on

Monday 12th November 2007

There's not just one Christmas extravaganza in Wigan town centre this year - but two!

And it all starts with the big lights switch-on on Thursday November 22.

The switch-on event at Market Place will start at 5pm with a DJ. There will be entertainment throughout the evening including carols from the choirs of St William's Primary and St Peter's High schools. There will be street dancing and the winner from the recent hugely successful Wigan’s Got Talent competition, Scott Champan.

A 'special guest' will be flicking the Christmas lights switch - it's a closely-guarded secret but it promises to be someone who appeals to all ages.

Wigan Council's Cabinet Champion for Regeneration and Deputy Leader Cllr John O'Neill says:

"Following the success of last year’s lights switch on, this year we have produced a fantastic programme of events aimed at all the family.

“Not only will see the town centre lights being switched on but also the lights in the Grand Arcade and the Galleries, making it an even bigger and more dazzling event than ever before.”

Manager of the Grand Arcade John Sanson adds:

“This is the Grand Arcade’s first Christmas and the decorations will be spectacular!

"The entire town centre will look absolutely fantastic and it’s all down to the combined efforts of the Grand Arcade, The Galleries, Wigan Market, Wigan Council and individual retailers on the high street."

The second extravaganza will take place on Sunday November 25, when some very special visitors all the way from the North Pole will be landing in Wigan.

Father Christmas will be taking a break from his hectic schedule to lead a parade, with his reindeer through the town centre. The parade will feature a number of characters including Percy the Penguin, Frosty the Snowman and Snowy the Polar Bear.

There will also be a Century FM roadshow and entertainment from the George Formby Society, sing-a-longs and a number of competitions, including 'dancing dads' and 'miming mums'.

Richard Paxton, centre director for The Galleries says:

"Wigan town centre has gone through a lot of positive changes over the past 12 months and it’s great that The Galleries, Grand Arcade and Wigan Council have come together to put on this year’s Christmas celebration for shoppers in the town."

The proposed schedule for the Switch On event on Thursday November 22 is:

• 5pm - DJ
• 5.35pm - St William’s RC Primary School
• 5.50pm - St Peter’s RC High School
• 6.10pm - Kate’s Street Dance
• 6.25pm - Gina Harrison - Wigan's Got Talent finalist
• 6.40pm - Mini Diamonds
• 6.50pm - Lights' Switch On
• 7.10pm - Vocalist Sara
• 7.25pm - Alison Jones - Dancer and Wigan's Got Talent finalist
• 7.50pm - Scott Chapman - Wigan Got Talent winner
• 8.10pm - City Jazz Orchestra and singers
• 8.30pm - Close

The proposed timetable for the event is as follows

• 11am - Century FM roadshow
• Noon - Christmas sing-a-long
• 12.15pm - The George Formby Society
• 12.30pm - Gina Harrison - Wigan' Got Talent finalist
• 12.45pm - Christmas 'Beat The Intro'
• 1pm - The Salvation Army Band
• 1.15pm - Dancing Dads' competition
• 1.30pm - Arrival of the Reindeer Parade
• 1.45pm - Christmas Sing-a-long
• 2pm - Tru Calling
• 2.15pm - Christmas 'Beat The Intro'
• 2.30pm - The 12 Days of Christmas with Emily Tonge - The Face of the Grand Arcade
• 2.45pm - Vocalist Sara
• 3pm - Miming Mums
• 3.15pm - Alison Jones Street Dance
• 3.30pm - Father Christmas
• 3.45pm - Beat The Intro final
• 4pm - Scott Chapman - Wigan's Got Talent winner
• 4.30pm - Final Sing-a-long and finish