BOLTON was all aglow last night as hundreds of people packed into the town centre to see a spectacular Christmas lights switch on.

And the showcase event has already been celebrated as one of the largest of its kind ever to be seen in the town.

Crowds young and old gathered in Victoria Square to witness an array of local performers, choirs and famous faces.

And they saved their loudest cheers for the countdown to the big switch-on...and a spectacular fireworks display.

Plumes of multi-coloured rockets lit the sky as Christmas in Bolton well and truly arrived.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Kevan Helsby said: "This year's switch-on was certainly one of the biggest and best in recent years.

"I would like to thank everyone who watched, all the fabulous entertainers and the organisers who all helped make it a night to remember. It was a fantastic night."

Children watched the show sitting on their parent's shoulders.

And they were treated to a host of performers...and certain stars for the future.

Last year's switch-on was hosted by Atomic Kitten. This year it was hoped that comedian Peter Kay would be helping to bring cheer to the town centre by helping with the switch-on. But filming commitments in Blackpool meant that the top comic was unable to attend.

This year Bolton's own three-piece girl band La Caj opened the show. Stars from Farnworth's Academy of Performing Arts, popular local band Sweet Dreemz and youngsters from Bolton's Saturday Kids Club all joined the show.

Singer Chelsey Mansell, aged 22, from Horwich performed her debut single 'Can't Live Without Your Lovin' before rockers Al!ve got the crowd jumping.

Characters from Aladdin, this year's pantomime at the Albert Halls featuring Paul Chrone and Bernard Wrigley, wowed the crowds. They were joined on stage by stars of the Octagon's Christmas show, the Snow Queen.

But Bolton Wanderers Mascot Lofty the Lion stole the show. He waved to the crowds with players including Mike Whitlow, Per Frandsen and Ricardo Gardner.

Club captain Whitlow, accompanied by his four-year-old daughter Megan, told the BEN: "It is important for us to show our support to the people of Bolton and I hope everyone had a wonderful night."

Kevin and Janet Jackson, from Bolton, took five-year-old daughter Kieanna to watch the show.

Mr Jackson said: "We have been coming for the past three years and it is a great atmosphere. Everyone has a really good time. Kieanna really enjoyed herself."

Irene McGuiness, from Tonge Moor, took three-year-old daughter Natasha to watch the fireworks. Natasha said: "I am having a wonderful time and Father Christmas is brilliant."

Mum Irene added: "The fireworks were fantastic. It is just a pity they don't have a parade anymore."

Father Christmas then joined Bolton's Mayor to press the plunger and light-up the town centre.

Cllr Helsby added: "All that leaves me to do now is wish everyone in Bolton a very happy Christmas and New Year."