A selection box of local talent will be unwrapped at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday November 17.
 
From 5pm, crowds will be treated to free performances from local band The Other Dudes and local singers Ella Shaw and Christian Burrows.

Ella, 19, from Blackburn wowed the judges on Britain’s Got Talent in 2015 and has just released her debut album, Imperfections in September.

Christian, 19, from Bolton made it to the judges’ house section of this year’s X Factor after impressing the judges in auditions with his own composition about his brother who died.

The Other Dudes are a young Bolton band, who have been developed through the Booths Live Zone band development initiative

There will also be performances from local favourites Bolton Children’s Workshop and Bolton Baton Twirlers, who are regular performers at the switch-on and new this year are local group Dance Fusion, a group of young dancers from Tonge Moor.
 
Following the evening’s entertainment, guests and performers will welcome the arrival of Father Christmas and an expanded festive parade ready for Bolton’s golden couple Jason Kenny and Laura Kenny, who will perform the switch-on at 7pm.
 
The parade leaves Churchgate at 5.45pm and arrives in Victoria Square at around 6.20pm.
 
Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris said: “We are extremely pleased to give our young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents. 
 
“We’ve got an extremely talented and varied line-up this year, with a number of acts who are already making their way in the music world. Existing fans – and new ones – are in for a treat.”
 
The event will end with a spectacular fireworks’ display from the roof of the town hall.
 
Nikki Wilson-Cook, Market Place Shopping Centre manager said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Christmas Lights Switch-On, which promises to be an evening of family entertainment. 
 
“We also hope to see lots of families at the Market Place before or after the lights switch-on.”
 
Late night opening in the town’s shops will also start on November 17, so people can do their Christmas shopping.