Photo Gallery: Lights, camera…Christmas Lights switch-on, Manchester

Northern Soul photographer, Nicola Jackson, headed to Manchester city centre for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On.

The Manchester Christmas Light Switch-on, in association with Key 103, marks the start of Manchester’s festive season. The city centre squares became a pop venue for the night as thousands of people watched the show live in Albert Square.

International star Sigala became the first DJ to headline the Christmas Lights Switch-on and Pixie Lott showed her pop star credentials with a live stage show. The stars of the Manchester’s stage shows ELF: The Musical at the Lowry, Shrek at the Palace Theatre, and Guys and Dolls playing at the Royal Exchange, gave the crowds something to dance about, previewing their huge productions that will be playing throughout the festive season. Opening the show was the cast of Little Women – who will take their show to the award-winning Hope Mill Theatre – and the Dancehouse Academy showing of the amazing moves of Street Dance.

Key 103’s breakfast hosts Mike Toolan and Matt Haslam compered the show with help of Corrie’s Brooke Vincent, and the event concluded with a 10-minute fireworks display. Manchester’s biggest red resident – the iconic Giant Santa – was also turned on for the first time. Follow him on twitter @McrSanta.