Last year’s winner of popular TV Show X Factor Sam Bailey has been announced as the headline performer at this year’s fantastic Leeds Lights switch-on.
Sam will help kick-off the countdown to Christmas in style, when she takes to the stage at Victoria Gardens on Thursday, November 13 in front of an estimated 15,000 strong crowd.
The Leicester-based singer crowned a memorable 2013 by clinching the UK Christmas number one spot with her hit ‘Skyscraper’, and more success followed in March 2014, when her first album ‘The Power of Love’, went straight to number one in the UK charts.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills said:
“We are absolutely delighted to announce that last year’s hugely popular winner of the X factor Sam Bailey will be performing at the fantastic Leeds Lights Christmas switch-on next month.
“Sam will also be joined on the night by a tremendous line-up of entertainment, as we look forward to starting the city’s countdown to Christmas in front of what is always a packed and brilliant crowd.”
Sam added:
“I’m so excited to turn the Leeds Christmas lights on, it’s a real honour.
“Christmas is such a special time in our household and I can’t wait to get the festive season started!”
Joining Sam on the night are former X Factor finalists G4, who will give their first public live performance as a group since 2007 at the event, which begins at 7pm.
Hosted by Heart presenters Dixie, Emma and Rich Williams, the event will also mark the beginning of an exciting time for G4 frontman Jonathan Ansell, who is set to star as Prince Charming in the Leeds Carriageworks Christmas pantomime production of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ from December.
Organised by Leeds City Council and Heart, with support from partners the Yorkshire Evening Post, other performers confirmed to appear on the night include up and coming Yorkshire-based boy band, ‘My Forever’.
They will be joined by a special performance of the popular ‘Santa’s Show Time’ which will feature guests including Cbeebies ‘Lets’ Play’, presenter Rebecca Keatley, and an array of characters from the popular ‘Harry Potter’ books.
Disney movie ‘Frozen’ has continued to wow both young and old since its release in 2013, and fans will also be able to take part in a sing-a-long to its most popular hits as part of the festivities.
Heart Breakfast presented Dixie said:
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be on the stage, lighting up Leeds once again!
“It’ll be great to introduce my co-host Emma to this fantastic show – which I know will be as big as ever with some great acts and entertainment!”
A number of special guests, including local sporting heroes are also set appear at the switch-on, which is a great night of entertainment for all the family.
The Leeds Light switch-on marks the official start of the city’s ‘Magical Leeds’ campaign which will provide a number of events and activities including the annual Christkindelmarkt on Millennium Square.
A number of accessible viewing options for disabled people will be provided at the lights event along with British Sign Language Interpreters, a disabled persons toilet, and access to the Leeds Art Gallery shop Changing Places toilet.
Further information on access arrangements at the event can be found at www.leeds.gv.uk/switchon
