FAMILY fun was the order of the day as Warrington was lit up with a variety show of children’s TV characters and local talent marking the official countdown to Christmas. 
Thousands of parents and children gathered at Golden Square Shopping Centre’s annual Christmas light switch-on in the Old Marketplace and enjoyed stand-out performances from CBeebies favourite’s Mister Maker and Fireman Sam as well as two jaw-dropping dance routines from the duo Twist and Pulse, (pictured right) of Britain’s Got Talent fame.
The show was hosted by CBeebies presenters Cerrie Burnell and Alex Winters and also featured Robyn Jenkins, winner of Golden Square’s Golden Mic competition. Her rendition of Coldplay’s Run almost silenced the excitable crowd, as did a two track vocal performance from Lucie Evans, 19, from Fearnhead, who has secured a final place in MTV Brand New Unsigned For 2013 competition.
Cbeebies star Mr Bloom proved a huge hit with the mums in the crowd, with one sign even declaring a proposal of marriage! Other crowd-pleasers included a hilarious performance of Cinderella featuring Warrington Wolves favourite Ben Westwood, who has organised the panto with the help of talented students from the Warrington Collegiate.
Following two hours of family entertainment the stars gathered around a giant plunger before a countdown from ten-to-one when the Christmas lights were officially switched on to huge applause and cheers.
CBeebies presenter, Alex Winters, whose two children also attended the show, said the light switch-on was a “fantastic mix of both local and national talent”.
He added: “I knew there were a few people coming in but when we walked out on stage and saw that it was packed and how enthused everyone was we were like – wow!
“It was amazing how the energy of the performances kept the crowd going and they clapped and cheered from start to finish. It’s possibly the best Christmas lights event I’ve ever been involved in – what a great start to the festive period.”
General manager and father-of-three, Ian Cox, who attended the event with his family, said: “The event exceeds our expectations year on year and it is all down to our shopper enthusiasm for the festive period. This was a great kick-start to what will hopefully be a fantastic Christmas for all.”
Ben Westwood takes centre stage to promote the panto
Fireman Sam joins the TV presenters to switch on the lights
Family fun lights up Warrington
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
