Wigan set to be lit up by nationally renowned boyband Union J

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Wigan town centre on Thursday November 16th as part of the ever-popular Christmas lights switch on.

Union J, which rose to fame through X Factor where they were ranked as finalists and have since been awarded Best British Breakthrough in 2013, will be switching on the lights in the town centre – along with Jake McKechnie from The Voice Kids, singer Scott Chapman and Myth of Unity, which were featured on BBC Music Introducing.

Locally, the Wigan Youth Choir will also feature to create a festive atmosphere as everyone gears up for Christmas, with guests from Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic joining host Chris Milow from the Wish FM Breakfast Show.

The switch on will take place on Thursday 16th November between 4:30pm and 7:30pm, with a huge stage set to be erected in the heart of Wigan. The reindeer parade will also feature on Sunday 19th November.

The event has been created by a team consisting of The Galleries Shopping Centre, Grand Arcade, Wigan Council and Wish FM, all of which have been involved in the switch on over the last few years.

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager for The Galleries Shopping Centre, said: “We are all very excited for this year’s Christmas light switch on, with a fantastic band such as Union J visiting Wigan to light up the town and complete a great night of entertainment.”

“This event has always been a key date in the diary for the people of Wigan and we are excited with what is in store this year.”

“As always, we encourage people to arrive early to make sure they secure a good view and join in the festivities as we prepare ourselves for Christmas.”

John Sanson, Centre Manager for Grand Arcade, said: “Once again, the brilliant Christmas panel has put together a great programme of events which will take place in the lead-up to Christmas to get everyone in the spirit. Everyone involved is very much looking forward to the Christmas light switch on, as well as the reindeer parade, which will take place on Sunday 19th November.

“Thursday 16th November also launches the start of Thursday late night shopping until 8pm, giving plenty of opportunities to get Christmas shopping completed.”

“The team and I are looking forward to another successful Christmas.”

Media contact: For more information, please call Emma Fish at Mercury on (01482) 782287