Full line up revealed for the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On

Britain's Got Talent boy band 'The Mend' will perform live at the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On

The packed line up for the annual Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On has been revealed  including Littleborough singer and X-Factor star Danny Dearden, Britain’s Got Talent boy band “The Mend”, and Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn.

Rochdale Town Centre Manager and event organiser Mark Foxley said: “This year we wanted to showcase our local pride and give the public a free event the whole family can come down and enjoy. We have a fantastic line up to kick start the festivities and special thanks to Rochdale Borough Council for their support and funding.

“We hope families will make a full day of the event and do some early Christmas shopping in the town centre beforehand and stay afterwards for a bite to eat at one of the many award winning café’s, bars and restaurants. People forget some of the great venues we have in the town including The Baum – voted best pub in the UK, La Mancha, Madison’s and The Flying Horse Hotel to name a few. We also have over 80 fabulous independent shops and 60 high street names.”

The popular Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on Saturday 22 November will commence with a magical lantern parade led by Katie McGlynn at 3.30pm at the top of Yorkshire Street involving school children from Holy Trinity, Broadfield and Hamer primary schools. The parade will make its way down to The Butts for live performances on the main stage between 4pm – 5pm, followed by a spectacular firework display.

Boy band "The Mend" said: "We're really looking forward to performing in Rochdale. We have been in the studio for a while working on our album so we can't wait to get back on stage, particularly at such a fantastic event as the Christmas Lights Switch On...so let's get Rochdale Rocking!"

Rapper Kris who lives in Middleton says: "It's an honour to perform so close to home and to be part of the best festive party in the town!"

Other local artists to perform on the main stage will include The Carers Resource Choir, Turners Dance Studio and characters from Cinderella Pantomime at the Middleton Arena. The Big Switch On will be carried out by all the artists along with The Mayor of Rochdale and players from the Rochdale Hornets Rugby League.

All hosted by Revolution Radio 96.2, there will also be children’s rides and various stalls at this annual town centre favourite event.