Dan's the man as Lytham festive lights switch-on goes virtual

Plans are also underway to host a special tribute to beloved Fylde resident Bobby Ball at the event on Saturday, November 14.

The switch-on is a highlight of the annual Fylde calendar but due to social distancing restrictions, organisers took the decision to pre-record the event from the town’s Lowther Pavilion.

Broadcast via the official Lytham Christmas Facebook page and a dedicated YouTube channel, the virtual switch-on show will take place from 5pm.

Daniel, a three times ITV Dancing on Ice champion who lives locally, will flick the switch to officially light up Lytham with festive cheer.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to switch-on Lytham’s Christmas lights this year,” said Daniel, who will be in December in The Real Full Monty on Ice.

“2020 has been a terrible year for so many people so to be asked to help bring some festive spirit to the Fylde coast is a real honour.

“Now more than ever we need something to look forward to so I hope many, many people tune in to the virtual switch-on and enjoy a lovely evening watching it from the safety of their home.”

Performing at the switch on will be Britain’s Got Talent 2011 winner Jai McDowall and Lytham’s own Lucy-Ella Smith, who are both starring in Cinderella at Blackpool’s North Pier this Christmas. There will also be musical performances from The Coustics, Deadbeats, Edward Rhodes, Emily Rhodes, James Edgar ad Jo Ashcroft. Comedian and writer Phil Walker will also bring some festive fun to the proceedings.

Radio presenter Graham Liver will host the event and there will also be a special appearance from Fylde mayor Coun Angela Jacques and Lytham Town Crier Colin Ballard as well as Father Christmas.

Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On is organised by Coun Brenda Blackshaw and Lauren Gallagher with support from Lytham Festival organisers Cuffe and Taylor.

Coun Blackshaw said: “We have a very different switch-on planned for this year but nonetheless it is still going to be fantastic.

“We have a great line-up and we are determined to create some festive cheer. I’m so pleased we’ve been able to film our artists at Lowther Pavilion and we’re delighted to welcome Daniel Whiston as our Switch-On star.

“Of course, for the people of Lytham and beyond, it is also important that we pay tribute to our very good friend Bobby Ball. In recent years Bobby, along with his wife Yvonne, had adopted Lytham as his home. He supported everything he could in the town and was loved by so many people. He will be sadly missed.

“This year is very different to any other year but I hope we can come together as an online community at least and celebrate the very best of our town.”

St Annes Town Council has already announced that this year’s switch-on there will be virtual, with the festive lights to shine from November 28.

Watch the Lytham switch-on at

http://bit.ly/LythamChristmas

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