Mr Bloom holds a present during his performance

During Saturday night thousands of people braved the harsh cold of the night to watch the annual Christmas Lights switch on in Preston’s Flag Market.

Hosted by Preston Business Improvement District, the show hosted many familiar faces from M People’s Heather Small, Mr Bloom from Cbeebies, soul classics The Real Thing and even Danny Miller from Emmerdale.

You can watch some highlights below

The night was off to a soaring success, with thousands lining the Flag Market and surrounding streets for a chance to watch this one-night spectacle:

Crowds on Preston Flag Market Pic: Benjamin Wareing

The night started with a child-friendly performance by Cbeebies Mr Bloom, which brought the biggest smiles on many childrens faces:

Child watching Mr Bloom on the Flag market Pic: Benjamin Wareing

Child watched Mr Bloom on the Flag market Pic: Benjamin Wareing

Preston then stood proud for local Paralympic hero Stephanie Slater, who shared her story and motivational message to the onlooking crowd. She also flashed her incredible gold and silver Olympic medals! You did a great job, Stephanie.

Stephanie Slater posing for a photograph Pic: Benjamin Wareing

Following this, soul sensation ‘The Real Thing’ rocked the Flag Market, blasting out songs that the crowds sang along to really loudly, mainly ‘You To Me Are Everything’:

Soul group The Real Thing performing Pic: Benjamin Wareing

Next up came M People’s Heather Small, who gave both a blast from the past with “Moving on Up”, and catered for younger audiences with newer songs:

Heather posing for a photograph Pic: Benjamin Wareing

As per annual tradition, the light switch-on itself was a little late, however after a long haul up the backstage stairs, the button was in place and the countdown began…

All the special guests lined up on stage Pic: Benjamin Wareing

…And then finally, it came! As the plunger was – well, plunged, snow fell from the sky and christmas classics filled the air. There was not one sad face in the crowd as all thoughts of the cold had disappeared, instead replaced with Christmas joy (and a lot of excited fans to meet Danny!)

Snow fell from the sky for the finale Pic: Benjamin Wareing

A young child watches on their parents shoulders market Pic: Benjamin Wareing

Teens posed for a photograph Pic: Benjamin Wareing

Did you go to the preston Christmas Light switch on this year? Have you spotted yourself in any of our pictures? Let us know in the comments below.