THE rain and cold failed to dampen people's spirits at Blackburn's Christmas light switch on event.

Celebrities, councillors, residents and visitors were dazzled by the flames and fireworks at the annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson was the town's special guest for the day. 

He started the day by meeting people at the Mall and went on to help light the Cathedral ground's fire garden and dance and sing with fans at the main event.

As dusk fell on the Cathedral square the deputy mayor and mayoress joined Sam to welcome people through a fire-lit archway into the Cathedral grounds at around 4.30pm.

Visitors wandered through a forest of fire sculptures and dancers and fiery installations that formed a glowing garden landscape into the Cathedral Gardens.

Canon Peter Howell-Jones, the Dean of Blackburn, was experiencing the Blackburn Christmas switch-on for the first time since he moved to the town.

He said: "I think it's really wonderful. I'm new to Blackburn and this is my first Christmas here so I'm very impressed by what I have seen, particularly the energy and the spirit of it all.

"It has brought the community together which is really amazing."

Cllr Phil Riley said: "This event is different from what we've ever had before which is really super.

"We wanted something that was unconventional and different.

"This type of event shows that Blackburn has confidence in itself. 

"We do not feel compelled to do the same old event."

Following on from the fire display, crowds began to form on King William Street as the countdown to the grand finale began. 

Before the switch-on visitors watched the Flame Oz's lightshow and a high-rise aerial dance from the Ice Fairy.

BBC Radio Lancashire presenter John Gilmore was the stage's host and he welcomed Sam onto the stage alongside deputy mayor Cllr Pat McFall, deputy mayoress Lucie Higham, senior canon Andrew Hinckley and Father Christmas.

The 24-year-old Made in Chelsea star said: "I love Blackburn. You guys are so awesome, everyone is so nice. I hate London compared to Blackburn. 

"It's a lot different to Chelsea but as I said I prefer it up here. 

"The spirit here is so lovely and I love you all. I'm a Blackburn boy now."

Senior canon Andrew Hinckley said: "It has been an amazing day and great to see so much activity around the Cathedral and the fire garden. It's showing Blackburn at it's best."

Cllr McFall said: "It was a fabulous event and has been absolutely wonderful despite the horrible wet weather."

Moments later the stage's guests held the switch in unison and flicked the festive lights on followed by a firework display and Christmas music.

Departing visitors said they thought the event was 'exceptional' and felt this showed the town at its best.

Tracy Connor, 47, from Feniscowles, said: "I don't normally come out to see these types of events because it's usually just a celebrity turning on a light but this year we've been amazed by the food and the fire displays.

"It has been exceptional."

Rebecca Mellody, 23, also from Feniscowles, said: "I think it's good and is what Blackburn needs.

"I have been in Manchester for five years and moved back down here and it's great to see they are trying to make this a city type event.

"Blackburn is showing itself as big as we actually are."