Big voice and big crowd for town’s festive lift off

Families filled the Fylde town’s piazza and surrounding streets to see teen singer Jonathan Antoine perform before switching on the popular lights on Saturday.

The former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, who supported Russell Watson on tour last year, wowed crowds with his tenor voice.

The packed line-up also included Fylde’s Got Talent winner James Edgar, Lytham Community Choir, members of the cast of Lowther Pavilion panto Aladdin, Rarity School of Dance and Drama, St Annes singer Peter Anthony, Blackpool Brass Band, Blackpool Operatic Players, Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Harry Mondryk and singer-songwriter Luke Potter.

The event, organised by Lytham Proms bosses Cuffe and Taylor, which culminated in a spectacular fireworks display, was good enough to rival even the town’s famed Club Day, according to spectators.

Mum Emma Cookson, 37, from Clifton, watched with friends and family.

She said: “It’s a fab set up, the kind of quality that Lytham is. The fireworks were fantastic and the lights look gorgeous.”

Lytham Rose Queen Isobel Russell, 13, and pal Charlotte Mellors, 10, were up on stage with the professionals to help rally the crowd ready for the big event.

Isobel said: “It was exciting, there were hundreds of people all cheering.” And Charlotte added: “The music was really good.”

For newcomers Tom Doolie and Bernie Wilkson, recently moved to Wrea Green from Oldham, the event confirmed their love for the new home.

Mr Doolie, 59, said: “It’s lovely, there’s lots done here for the community.”

Cara Hutchinson, 31, said: “It’s just good family fun. It was very good last year and the music was brilliant this year. It’s really good for the town too.”

Her son Harry, eight, agreed: “It was extraordinary, the fireworks were exciting.”