Manchester Christmas Lights 2011

Manchester's Christmas party will start on Thursday 10th November 2011, when Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts and chart topper Tinchie Stryder switch on the city's Christmas lights.
  
As well as pressing the all important button to switch on the lights, the stars will both performing hit songs alongside appearances from the casts of Dirty Dancing and Cinderella.
  
Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesperson, said: " Manchester's Christmas Light switch-on has become the official start of Christmas in the North West and year on year has delivered an unforgettable party packed with an incredible line up of performers. 
  
"It's fantastic to welcome both Nicola Roberts and Tinchy Stryder to Manchester. They are both world renowned, chart topping stars and to have them performing will make for the best start imaginable for our festive Season." 
  
There will be a special performance by cast members from Dirty Dancing, which is coming to the Palace Theatre this festive season and an appearance by Suzanne Shaw, who is starring as Cinderella in the Opera House's Christmas pantomime Cinderella. 
  
And for those who love the atmosphere of a Dicken's Christmas, a special message will also be sent from the cast of Scrooge playing at The Lowry. 
  
Dance crew SOAR I.N.K. will perform their mesmerising display of hip-hop inspired moves, and the wonderful voices of the Manchester Show Choir will complete the line-up with an assortment of Christmas and popular songs. 
  
The show will be hosted by Key 103's breakfast show presenters Mike Toolan and Chelsea Spokes and the evening will reach its climax with the Christmas lights turning on to a sky filled with fireworks - finishing off the celebrations in style. 
  
Manchester's Christmas lights switch-on, Albert Square, Thursday 10 November from 6.30pm, free admission