Thousands of people flocked to Accrington town centre to see Britain's Got Talent winner Jai McDowall turn on the town's Christmas lights.

The 2011 winner performed to cheering crowds outside the Market Hall and was joined on stage by fellow musicians We Are Tiger Heart, Hannah Joy, Redd, Amy-Jo Clough and Matt Fitzgerald.

Sleeping Beauty pantomime stars Ms Fairy Liquid and Lord Chamber Pot also attended the event dressed up in costume.

After the music the crowds waited in anticipation for Jai and Hyndburn Mayor Munsif Dad to pull the lever and light up Accrington.

The evening came to a conclusion with a fireworks extravaganza.

Shops around the town centre stayed open late for people to enjoy late night shopping and children enjoyed the fun rides on Broadway.

After the switch-on the stars performers posted their thanks on Twitter.

We Are Tiger Heart said 'ACCRINGTON YOU WERE AMAZING!!' and Hannah Joy said 'You guys were lovely!!

Thanks for having me'. Amy-Jo Clough said 'Amazing night', Redd Tweeted 'Fab crowd!!! Thanks for having me!' and Matt Fitzgerald said 'Thank you so much Accrington!!!!'

Coun Dad said he was 'very honoured' to help switch on the Christmas lights and praised the 'excellent turnout', performers and staff.

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The next Christmas lights switch-on will be in Huncoat on Monday, December 1 from 6pm at both Lowergate Road/Altham Lane and also at Vauxhall Gardens on Burnley Road.

On Tuesday, December 2 the lights will be illuminated at the Manor Gardens and Church Kirk Clock in Church, from 6pm.

It is the turn of Milnshaw on Wednesday, December 3, with illuminations from 6.30pm at Dyke Nook Gardens off Whalley Road, and Baxenden's Christmas lights will be switched on the following day Thursday, December 4 from 6pm at a location to be confirmed.

The annual Blessing of the Crib service will take place on Thursday, December 4 outside Accrington Town Hall from 2pm.

Christmas carols and the switch-on will come to Great Harwood on Friday, December 5 from 6pm at Towngate Square, and on the same evening Rishton's lights will be switched on from 6.30pm outside the Civic Centre/Library.

Send your pictures of you and your family and friends enjoying the Christmas lights switch-ons and other festivities to accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk.