Street stars to light up city for Christmas

CORONATION Street star Catherine Tyldesley is to switch on Manchester’s Christmas lights, assisted by fellow cast member Kym Marsh.

Tyldesley, who plays Eva Prince and Marsh, aka Michelle Connor in the soap, will perform a musical number and may be joined by other Street stars, before the button is pressed on Saturday November 7 on Albert Square.

Leading the speciality musical performances are indie-pop favourites Scouting for Girls while UK R&B singer-songwriter Lemar – two time Brit award winner and three time MOBO winner – will also perform.

Alongside these headline acts, there will be festive theatre productions to bringa slice of Broadway to the occasion.

These will include cast members from the Opera House’s production of Cinderella and the Lowry’s Sound of Music – with a special performance from theatre usher turned The Voice finalist, Lucy O’Bryne.

Kicking off the show will be the Manchester Show Choir. The group performs pop hits and musical theatre anthems with the force of over 80 voices. This year the choir will be singing a genuine Christmas classic at the switch-on event for an opening act to remember.

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “Everyone knows that I think our Christmas lights should be turned on in August – I just can’t wait for the Christmas season to begin.

“But when the Giant Santa takes his place at town hall and the countdown to the fireworks begins, something magical happens to Manchester. Our show is the envy of the UK, but it’s only the start of more than six weeks of festive celebrations across the city.”

A 10-minute firework display will close the show.