THE rain failed to dampen spirits at one of Bolton's best ever Christmas lights switch on parties.

The stage rocked with great pop acts and Bolton's own Hannah Morris gave the performance which shows she is a superstar in the making.

A crowd of more than 2,000 packed into Victoria Square to hear a great line up of local talent and famous chart topping pop band Atomic Kitten.

The umbrellas were out in force but a break in the weather -- just when Hannah took to the stage -- proved that even damp Bolton can turn on the style.

It was an occasion for families and young and old alike.

Even Bolton Wanderers stars brought their children with them.

Per Fransen had wife Dorte and their two daughters Sophie, five, and Emilie, three, were among the crowd, while boss Sam Allardyce brought along granddaughter Harriet, aged five.

But her heart was torn between cuddly mascot Lofty the Lion and Father Christmas.

The spectacular show for the big lights switch on was rounded off with a magnificent fireworks display sponsored by the Bolton Evening News.

The first act on stage was Atomic Kitten -- who had to dash off to Liverpool for another Christmas lights switch-on later that same evening.

Those busy Kittens said they really loved Bolton and even shopped here from their home town of Liverpool.

Kerri said: "I've been to Bolton loads of times before to go shopping. Bolton is definitely great. It stands out."

Natasha, who has splashed around in the Water Place when she was a youngster, added: "I think we do the best job in the world. And it's absolutely ace to be in Bolton."

They wowed the crowd with "Right Now" and their new single "Whole Again".

The young popsters had time to chat to some friends -- members of the Bolton Saturday Club.

Lydia Power, nine, and sister Katie, ten, along with best pal Kylie Baines, nine, met the girl-band in the audience at Ant and Dec's Saturday morning TV show SMTV.

The youngsters later went out on stage themselves to perform with other members of the Saturday club for a dance routine to Rockin Robin -- but not before they got Atomic Kitten's autographs for one of their teachers from Devonshire Road Primary School.

New Zealand rugby internationals David Vaealiki and Ali Lauititi rubbed shoulders with Wanderers stars on stage.

The Kiwis will be clashing with England at the Reebok tomorrow in the semi-final of the Rugby League World Cup.

Before going out to see the crowds, David said: "It's great to be in the home of rugby league. It's great to be here."

And he gave a hint as to how the New Zealanders are expecting to find it when they step out at the Reebok.

"It's going to be a tough match," David said. "I wouldn't like to predict the result. It just depends on what happens on the day."

Schoolgirl superstar Hannah Morris, still aged just 14, made the biggest hit with the crowds.

She told the Bolton Evening News that she was thrilled to be singing in her home town.

Hannah said: "I never thought 12 months ago that this would happen to me. The people are brilliant. Loads of my friends and family are out there.

"The great thing is that all my old school friends give me lots of support. I don't think I've changed with success. I still go to school and do all the things I used to except I have a different schedule."

She performed her new single "I Will Be There" and the Christmas faithful "When A Child Is Born" -- which will feature on a new various artists Christmas CD.

Also on show were the talents of Samantha Pilling, Sarah Rushton and Charles Butcher, who carried off trophies at the BBC Music Live Festival earlier in the year.

Samantha, aged 15, from Horwich, who gave a mime act in the costume of Jim Carey's The Mask, was fresh from winning the British Championship Freestyle Dancing and the Pairs UK Freestyle Dancing in Blackpool.

Her wonderful costume involved an hour and a half in the make-up chair before she was ready for her performance which lasted just a few minutes.

The Bolton Music Service's Bolton Youth Brass Band played classical tunes followed by Christmas carols to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Also shown was sections from the Octagon's Christmas show "The Owl and the Pussycat Went to See" and the Albert Halls production of "Cinderella".

The finale before the big switch on saw Bury-band Al!ve entertain the crowds. It all went down a treat.

And it declared that the Christmas season is well and truly underway for Bolton.