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Rotherham's illuminations get the X Factor
Bursting to life on Thursday November 20 at 4.30pm, Rotherham's illuminations will be welcoming everybody's favourite Hallam FM presenters to the stage, including Big John and his Breakfast Team, to get the party in full swing.
At 6pm, the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Ann Russell, along with her grandchildren, will be officially welcoming the festive season to the borough by pushing the magic button and setting the town aglow.
For the musical entertainment, two very special guest stars, who have both gone toe-to-toe with Simon Cowell, will be bringing hits and fun to All Saints’ Square.
Local X Factor star, Alan Turner, who recently make headlines across the country, will have all the girls screaming when he takes to the stage to belt out favourite songs from the charts.
Also appearing will be boyband Avenue, who are taking time out from supporting McFly on their UK tour to appear in Rotherham.
Billed as the next Take That, Avenue, who have also supported the Sugababes, have just rocked Sheffield Arena as part of their tour and are thrilled to be taking to the stage as part of Rotherham's Christmas celebrations.
The annual spectacular, which is brought to the borough in partnership between Rotherham MBC's Events and Promotions team and Hallam FM, will get underway with the latest chart songs, fun, games and competitions.
Events Manager Kate Moreman said: "We've got a very traditional switch-on evening this year with a brand new, state-of-the-art set of illuminations in festive greens and reds ready to light up the town.
It's great that we've been able to secure two names like Avenue and Alan Turner, for the switch-on, both who impressed the X Factor judges enough to become household names.
The Salvation Army will be on hand to belt out carols and other favourite festive songs and Santa will be setting up home in a very special Grotto by Boots for the night to grant some wishes before returning to his home in the indoor market.
To top the evening off, there will be a very special Christmas Craft Market in the town centre for you to grab some exclusive bargains. The evening also marks the start of late night shopping, where town centre shops open to give grown-ups the chance to catch up on their shopping. Plus, there will be free car parking in all council car parks from 4pm."
The evening of entertainment, which remains free, also includes the usual mix of children's rides, delicious food and Christmas cheer which Rotherham residents have come to expect from the most colourful night of the year.
