X Factor's Lloyd to get Christmas under way

CHRISTMAS officially kicks off in Rotherham tomorrow as the town hosts a festive lights show which will really have The X-Factor.

The star performer at this year’s event is 2009 finalist Lloyd Daniels, who will take to the stage at 5.25pm to entertain the crowd at the official Christmas lights switch-on.

The teenage heartthrob is top of packed bill of entertainment in All Saints’ Square which is expected to bring in thousands of revellers into town.

The traditional event will be hosted from 4.30pm on Thursday by Rother FM, with up-and-coming Maltby starlet, Saffron, taking to the stage before Lloyd.

Rounding off the evening’s entertainment will be Jay Mya, who, fresh from supporting Tinchy Stryder on his recent tour, will be bringing the urban sounds of grime to the celebrations.

At 6pm, the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Rose McNeely, will perform the switch-on.

Organisers hope to top the 8,000-strong crowd who filed into the square last year to watch Danish group Alphabeat perform in the shadow of the floodlit Rotherham Minster.

Revellers heading for the town centre tomorrow will be able to park for free from from 4pm.

Rotherham Borough Council’s events and promotions manager, Marie Hayes, said:

“Santa will be setting up home in a very special grotto by Boots before returning to his home in the outdoor covered market.

“And to top the evening off, cast members from the Civic Theatre’s panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will be in attendance and there will be a very special Christmas craft market.”

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