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THOUSANDS of screaming fans crammed into Blackpool town centre – and they were not just waiting for the Christmas lights.
The 5,000 strong crowd in St John's Square were there to witness last year's X Factor winner Joe McElderry as he flicked the switch to mark the start of the resort's festive period.
And the pint-sized popstar, who has been working on his new album Wide Awake, treated his fans to new single Ambitions as well as his X Factor winner's song The Climb and Someone Wake Me Up, which will be the theme tune for the next Narnia film.
The 19-year-old told The Gazette: "I can't believe it but I've never actually been to Blackpool before, not even when I was younger.
"I've been to so many places it's strange I've never been here, and it's quite random I'm here switching the lights on – but I loved it.
"I had a bit of a rehearsal earlier in the day, but the crowds were so good it turned out to be a bit of a mini-show.
"I want to thank everyone for all the support they have given me over the last year, and thank you everyone in Blackpool for the wonderful banners, I've had a great time."
Fans who had travelled from all over the North West to see the South Shields singer said the celebration lit up their day.
Rebecca Shaw, 18, from North Shore, said: "I'm a massive Joe McElderry fan.
"We got here at 12.30pm - four hours early. It was a great event and we got really close."
Chris Charnley, his wife Zoe, and daughters Shannon, 10, and Caitlin travelled from Wigan to witness the switch-on.
Shannon said: "We managed to get really close.
"I loved Joe, and the other bands were really good too."
Primary school pupils performed carols, while girlband Wonderland and local rock act Boomin' took to the stage.
Natalie Wyatt, head of VisitBlackpool, said: "We were very proud of the event - around 5,000 people came to watch.
"Getting Joe was great, and working with other organisations like the Houndshill, helped us save money."
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
