Manchester City Council has announced the star-studded line up for the Christmas lights switch-on.
Stars of stage and screen will feature in this year’s switch-on, which will take place in Abert Square on November 3 and marks the start of Christmas in the city. Manchester-born former The Wanted member Max George will perform at the event along with chart-topper Jonas Hill, who will take on the prestigious role of pushing the button to turn on Manchester’s Christmas Lights and begin the spectacular 10-minute firework display.
Manchester Show Choir will open the show and bring a touch of the traditional to the Christmas occasion. They will be joined by the stars of Manchester’s major stage shows, who will perform excerpts from the best theatre the region has to offer, including Harry Potter star Mark Williams and Corrie favourite Vicky Entwistle, who are currently starring in Dr Doolittle the musical.
The cast of the Palace Theatre’s hit show Wicked will also make an appearance, along with the stars of the much-loved Mel Brooks comedy The Producers (Royal Exchange).
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “This could be the last time for some time that our Christmas Lights Switch-on is in Albert Square, which has been the spiritual home of Christmas is Manchester for two decades. This will be a party to remember, opening the festive season to six weeks of Christmas celebration as the city transforms into the capital of Christmas once again.
“We are also already looking forward to next year when we will be moving the switch-on event to a new location – so watch this space!”
As always the event is completely free, just get the family together and wrap up warm, however, once Albert Square reaches capacity access into the area will be restricted. The show is an alcohol-free event. It is advised not to bring bags to the event as there will be security checks in operation and bags will delay admission.
A number of road closures will be in place on the evening – full details to be released.