CHART-topping band Union J have confirmed they are to switch on intu Trafford Centre’s Christmas lights.
The four-piece boy-band will flick the switch on more than £1million worth of decorations on October 30 when thousands of shoppers are expected to descend on the Centre’s Main Stage for the special hour-long event.
Singer JJ said this week: “We can’t wait to switch on the lights at intu Trafford Centre this year, the Manchester crowd are always so much fun! JLS and Olly Murs have done it before and to follow in their footsteps is really exciting! We can’t wait to get our fans in the Christmas spirit and perform for everyone. It’ll be a great night.”
Joining the headline act Union J, will be:
- Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts
- X Factor finalist Chloe Jasmine
- The Snowman™ and The Snowdog
- Hit girl band Neon Jungle
- Kids’ movie characters Penguins of Madagascar
- New Mancunian girl band The Piccadillys
Then the ever-popular Gospel Choir will be setting the festive scene in the afternoon from 3pm, before the Main Stage event kicks off at 6pm. Richard Paxton, general manager, said: “We are delighted to have secured the fantastic Union J to kick-start our Christmas, and we’re expecting thousands of fans to come to one of the best free gigs of the year.
“Incredible voice”
“We expect Paul Potts to lift the roof off The Orient with his incredible voice as he gives us his Nessun Dorma, and girl-band of the moment Neon Jungle will be performing their hits too – it’s a cracking line up once again.”
Also on stage will be the magical characters The Snowman and The Snowdog. They also appear in the Centre’s festive TV ads this year, and the award-winning grotto in Barton Square is expected to sell out as families enjoy a mini-theatre experience themed around the famous festive pair.
“Dramatic centre-piece”
“This year we have refreshed our illuminations with a really dramatic new Main Dome centre-piece – but of course some iconic favourites like the giant Santa Claus atop Barton Square tower and our singing Christmas tree will be making a return.
“We’re most excited about our Grotto this year, as it’s a completely fresh idea that’s exclusive to us – we have the world’s first The Snowman and the Snowdog interactive grotto!”
The new Grotto at Barton Square will be surrounded by a host of festive stalls offering Gluewein and Bratwurst, gifts and sweets.
Hamleys toys “come to life”
The intu Trafford Centre Christmas Lights Switch On traditionally heralds the start of the shopping season at intu Trafford Centre, and is the earliest major illuminations display to be held in the region.
Added Paxton: “Stores catering for fashion, gifts, electronics and homewares have now brought out their Christmas ranges, and our The Snowman and The Snowdog Grotto will open on Monday, November 3. One week later, our Day of Christmas Magic takes over the Centre, (Saturday, Nov 8) and that will see customers meet Santa Claus with his live reindeers, and watch as the magic of Hamleys takes to the Malls.
“Our aim is to make intu Trafford Centre a must-visit destination during the Christmas season, and that starts in true style on Thursday, October 30.
Christmas 2014 will see also see the return of the Selfridges Ice Rink outside their store on Barton Dock Road. The covered rink opens 13 November booking will be available soon so in the meantime customers can register their interest by emailing icerinkboxoffice@selfridges.co.uk
WHAT: The Christmas Lights Switch On 2014 at intu Trafford Centre, presented by Mike and Chelsea from Key 103.
WHERE: The Orient main stage, intu Trafford Centre
WHEN: October 30th – Gospel Choir starts at 3pm, with sets until 5pm, stage-show starts at 6pm, until switch-on with Union J at 7pm.
For further information please visit http://intu.co.uk/traffordcentre
