Switch-on VIPs to go down a storm

BRITAIN'S Got Talent's dancing Stormtroopers, Boogie Storm, are the special guests at this year's Christmas Lights switch-on

BRITAIN'S Got Talent's dancing Stormtroopers, Boogie Storm, are special guests at this year's Christmas Lights Switch-On in Oldham town centre on Sunday.

Joined by TV favourites Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol, Oldham's very own Ollie and Millie, plus a mix of local performers and singers, the family-favourite event will be a colourful spectacular with a fantastic fireworks display - and it is all free.

The fun starts at 1pm in Parliament Square, with appearances throughout the day from Chase and Marshall, along with Boogie Storm, Ollie, Millie and Rodney the Reindeer.

Then it's over to Tommyfield Market where the big countdown is marked by a spectacular stage show, featuring local performer and talented 23 year-old singer Sam Glen.

Sam, a former member of the Oldham Theatre Workshop, recorded the theme song for last month's big 'On the Shoulders of Giants' launch event for the opening of the Old Town Hall.

Blaze Academy 'Exposure', a leading youth street dance group from Oldham who reached the semi-finals of the UDO World Street Dance Championships in Glasgow this summer, will also be performing.

Cllr Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Leader, said: "The Christmas lights switch on is always one of the highlights of the year in the town centre.

"The community comes together as one and enjoy one night of spectacular entertainment.

"This year we've got Britain's Got Talent Finalists Boogie Storm, and PAW Patrol's Chase and Marshall to help us carry out the switch-on - and the show is all free.

"The event provides the perfect way to round off a day of Christmas shopping in the town centre.

"And to top it off, the firework display in the town is just spectacular."

From 2pm there will be a small children's funfair and food stalls around the market area to stay well fed before the fun begins.

PAW Patrol's Chase and Marshall will then join Boogie Storm and the mayor of Oldham Cllr Derek Heffernan on stage to press the button and switch on the Christmas lights, followed by a huge firework display to light up the night sky.

The stage show starts at 4.45pm behind Tommyfield Market and lasts around an hour with the fireworks starting at around 5.30pm.

After the switch-on, the Christmas lights are illuminated daily from 3pm.

The town centre's nativity scene will also be on High Street as part of the award-winning Bloom and Grow feature bed.

Shoppers can enjoy free parking for three hours at all Oldham Council car parks but visitors must take a ticket from the machine and display it in their vehicles.

There is also free parking for four hours in Spindles Town Square Shopping centre.

Those attending the event should be aware that the only access to Tommyfield Market car park on the day will be from Henshaw Street.

For more information visit visitoldham.com.