Rotherham’s Christmas lights get the X Factor

The traditional annual event, kindly sponsored by Asda and Morrison Facilities, will be hosted by Rother FM, who will be getting the party in full swing for the estimated 8,000 revellers who are expected to fill the town centre.

Musical entertainment will be provided by X Factor heart-throb, Lloyd Daniels, who will be taking to the stage at 5.25pm.

Lloyd, who wowed Simon Cowell on last year's competition, was hotly tipped to win the world-famous competition and had Cheryl Cole saying that he was "the first person I'm going to say you've got the X Factor to".

Taking to the stage before Lloyd will be up-and-coming local starlet, Saffron, who has also impressed Simon Cowell and been signed to the media mogul's record label.

Joining Saffron to round off the evening's entertainment will be future superstar Jay Mya, who, fresh from supporting Tinchy Stryder on his recent tour, will be bringing the urban sounds of "Grime" to the celebrations. 

At 6pm, the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Rose McNeely, will be officially welcoming the festive season to the borough by pushing the magic button and setting the town aglow.

Rotherham Borough Council's Events and Promotions Manager, Marie Hayes, said: "The switch-on evening is the start of the festive period in Rotherham and, as always, we intend to get it going with a bang!

"Our dedicated team have spent the last few months ensuring that the night remains a place that families can come, have fun, feel safe and enjoy a great atmosphere.

"To have an act like Lloyd Daniels, who literally had 20m people on their feet this time last year, to perform at the event is a gigantic coup for us. He massively impressed the X Factor judges and only didn't win because it was widely regarded as one of the strongest seasons ever.

"Plus, having amazing acts like Jay Mya and Saffron means it will be a fantastic musical extravaganza on the night.

"We're following on from previous years in having a very traditional switch-on evening, packed with fun, games and great music, with time-honoured illuminations in festive greens and reds ready to light up the town.

"The 35ft tree, which we'll have on prominent display in the middle of All Saints' Square, will also be a grand affair, illuminated with hundreds of individual lights.

"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 outdoor covered market.

"To top the evening off, cast members from the Civic Theatre's panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will be in attendance and there will be a very special Christmas Craft Market in the town centre for you to stock up on your presents."

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.