NOVEMBER night skies across Blackpool and the Fylde were lit-up last week as the annual Christmas lights were switched on.

Giant coloured baubles, stars and fairy lights were illuminated across Blackpool's town centre as hundreds of on-lookers braved the weather to see the Mayor, Coun Sue Wright, switch on the sparkling spectacular that traditionally marks the start of Christmas in the resort.

They were met by a host of very popular guests including Dolfini the clown, Santa Claus and Bart Simpson. Children from local schools, including Haweside, sang carols and local musicians played as the evening went on.

Town centre manager Nigel Hanson said: "There was a great atmosphere on the night and the crowd was fantastic. Fortunately the rain held off and the illuminations department have done a great job this year, as indeed they always do.

"The ice-skating rink in the Winter Gardens also proved a popular attraction as did the lighting of the tree outside St John's church -- we are trying to enhance this area of Church Street each year with more lights and decorations."

Greggs the bakers also provided goody bags for the singing school children and the winners of a special competition held on the evening to meet Bart Simpson.

Santa Claus has set up his station in the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre and will be there each day up to Christmas.

St Annes and Lytham followed suit by lighting up their shopping centres at the weekend with festive ornaments and illuminations to cheer even the most dampened of spirits this December.

Finally Poulton will get "switched-on" tomorrow (Friday) in the square. Local five-piece band FY8 will headline the event with The Wave's Roadshow and cheesy DJ Lionel Vinyl. The fun will get underway at 4.30pm.