THOUSANDS of people braved the cold and wind for Bolton’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The rain held off as crowds filled Victoria Square for the annual festive spectacular.

Bolton TV star Vernon Kay transformed the town centre when he flicked the switch to turn the lights on at 5.30pm yesterday.

His appearance marked the end of a spectacular build up — DJs Martin Emery and Vicki Robinson, from Tower FM, kicked off the party at 4pm.

The highlight of the evening was Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson, who performed two hits to the delight of the screaming crowd.

The 15-year-old Warrington youngster said: “It’s great to be up North, it’s good to be back.

“I’ve had an amazing reception in Bolton and I wasn’t expecting it. It means more to me than anything because I’m back home.”

There was also entertainment from children’s workshop BL7 and the Elves, dance groups Dance Crazy and Infamous RDC and the casts of the Albert Halls pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Octagon Theatre’s Danny the Champion of the World.

Paralympians Tony Griffin, Sophie Hancock and Rachel Latham also took to the stage.

As the switch-on time approached, the Christmas parade — which set off from Churchgate and featured Santa in his sleigh along with the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Anthony Connell — arrived in Victoria Square.

Vernon flicked the switch, following a countdown by the crowd, and the festive displays lit up.

He said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to turn on the lights in my home town. I did it a few years ago and it was a great feeling.

“I used to come and watch the Christmas lights switch-on with my family, it’s kind of the start of Christmas.”

The fireworks display, which was due to follow the switch on, did not go ahead due to high winds.

The celebrations continued at Victoria Hall, which was transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Gail Neasham, aged 56, attended the switch-on with her granddaughter, Molly Hudson, aged six.

Mrs Neasham, of Smithills, said: “It’s been brilliant and it’s nice to see local talent getting involved.”

Molly said: “My favourite bit was when George Sampson was dancing.”

Lillian Miller, aged 62, of Markland Hill, Heaton said: “It’s been really good. It’s a bit disappointing about the fireworks, but that’s down to the weather.”