Blackburn Lights up as Ted steals the show

Published Monday 28 November 2016 at 10:49

Blackburn’s Christmas Lights were switched on in spectacular fashion on Saturday, November 26 when a local man brought an emotional performance to the crowd of thousands.

The town’s BIG Christmas Lights Switch On brought a host of stars and local performers to the town to celebrate the start of Christmas celebrations.

Local internet sensation Ted McDermott sang a cappella to the massive crowd and stunned everyone with a powerful and emotional performance. Ted, who sprang to fame when You Tube carpool karaoke style videos of him and his son Simon singing as they were driving around the local area, went viral. Since then, Simon and his dad have raised over £150,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and Ted was awarded a Pride of Britain award earlier in the year.

The show featured performances by Britain’s Got Talent stars Boogie Storm who were Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer dancing storm trooper sensation.

Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt in ITV’s Coronation Street was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen and Santa to push the button which switched on the Christmas Lights and set off a spectacular firework display, whilst the crowd sang along to the Wizzad Christmas classic “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day”.

Other performances and guests on the night included singers Chloe Rose, The Birchall Brothers Myth of Unity and Jesse McClure from Storage Hunters along with local dance groups from East Lancashire Dance Academy, DAPA and Zoe Taylor Dance Academy.

Harriet Roberts, manager of Blackburn BID, said:

What an amazing night! We would like to thank all our partners, sponsors, promoters and volunteers who have all helped to make this year’s Lights Switch On on of the best ever. It is fabulous to see what can be achieved when the town works together.”

The event, which was organised by Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council was supported by Blackburn Market and The Mall Blackburn. The show was hosted by Rock FM’s breakfast team Steve and Janine. The East Ribble District Freemasons sponsored the large screen and also helped co-ordinate volunteers and the collection on the evening for the Alzheimer’s Society. The event was supported by BID volunteers through Community CVS.

Earlier in the day, visitors to Blackburn were able to enjoy Blackburn’s first Comic Con, the Batmobile and from Ghostbusters, the Ecto-1 and a giant Marshmallow man towering above the bus station. There were alos opportunties for visitors to meet the stars of the Lights Switch On show.

The Blackburn Lights Switch On begins 4 BIG Saturdays of Christmas fun in Blackburn which includes a Nutcracker Prize Trail, massive Christmas Street Fair and the traditional Lantern Parade, Fireworks and Community Carol Service at Blackburn Cathedral. More information about these events can be found on the Blackburn Christmas website.

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