X-FACTOR: Celebrity contestant and former Coronation Street actress Victoria Ekanoye was the star of the show as the festive season started at Middlebrook Retail Park.

Thousands turned out to see the switch-on celebrations on Saturday, which included musical performances, a meet and greet with Santa and a reindeer parade.

Victoria turned on the lights with competition winner Finley Markham, aged seven, who also got to ride with Santa on his sleigh.

The actress, who starred as Angie Appleton on the cobbles between 2017 and 2019, also performed a short set to the packed-out crowds.

She said: “What a wonderful night. It was such a pleasure to team up with Jenny Ryan in illuminating Bolton and kicking off the Christmas spirit. Thank you for such a warm reception, it was lovely to see all your smiling faces. I’m proud to be northern!”

Members of the cast of the pantomime Aladdin, currently showing at the Albert Halls, also joined the huge group for the light switch-on.

Excited shoppers grabbed selfies with Father Christmas and Victoria, as well as other costumed participants.

Robert Hallworth, centre manager for the retail park, said: “It was very successful and a lot of people turned out for it.

“The weather stayed fine throughout the event and thankfully didn’t rain on us.

“Everyone was really happy, the retail park was very busy and shoppers were ready for the Christmas season.”

The fun-packed event, which began in the early afternoon, saw a stage show from Tower FM, followed by the reindeer parade and concluded with the big switch-on at 5pm.

Earlier free entertainment in the day saw youngsters get the chance to meet Disney stars Anna and Elsa, with the weekend marking the opening of Frozen 2.

Face painting also allowed children to get into character, while photos of the reindeers were able to be snapped before the big parade.