TV Ice skating star Daniel Whiston and a host of local performers will star in Lytham’s first ever virtual Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Plans are also underway to host a special tribute to beloved Lytham resident Bobby Ball who passed away suddenly last week.
The Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On is a highlight of the Fylde coast 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 Lytham Christmas YouTube channel here http://bit.ly/LythamChristmas
the virtual switch-on show will take place from 5pm on Saturday November 14.
This year’s spectacular will see three times ITV Dancing on Ice champion and Fylde resident Daniel Whiston offically flick the switch to light Lytham up with festive cheer.
Daniel, who will be seen on TV’s this December in The Real Full Monty on Ice, has lived on the Fylde coast all his life and as a regular visitor to Lytham says he is honoured to be taking part.
“I’m delighted to have been asked to switch-on Lytham’s Christmas lights this year,” said Daniel.
“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 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.
BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver will host the event and there will also be a special appearance from Mayor of Fylde Angela Jacques, Lytham Town Crier Colin Ballard and Father Christmas.
Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On is organised by Cllr Brenda Blackshaw and Lauren Gallagher with support from Lytham Festival organisers Cuffe and Taylor.
Cllr Blackshaw said: “We have a very different Switch-On planned for this year but nontheless 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.”
The 2020 Virtual Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place Saturday November 14. Tune in to the Lytham Christmas Facebook or YouTube (http://bit.ly/LythamChristmas) from 5pm.