Dave to light up town for festive season (From The Bolton News)

Dave to light up town for festive season

12:00pm Monday 9th October 2006

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COMEDIAN Dave Spikey will turn on Bolton's Christmas lights this year.

The Bolton comic, presenter, actor and writer will thrill the crowds when he lights up thousands of bulbs in the town's first Sunday switch-on, on November 26, at 6pm.

He will be joined by Bolton Wanderers stars, club mascot, Lofty the Lion, and the cast of the Albert Halls pantomime, Aladdin, for the spectacular Christmas celebration.

Father Christmas will also be dropping in to oversee events.

Entertainment, including singers and musicians, is planned from 4pm, on the day, before the Christmas lights procession through town to Victoria Square for the big switch-on.

And Bolton Council bosses are thrilled that Dave will be doing the honours.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: "Bolton's Christmas Lights switch-on is always a spectacular event and having Dave on board is a great plus for us.

"He's a Boltonian through and through and a big personality who has supported us in the past, so he was a natural choice.

"This year the event will also be more family orientated, so people can expect something different but extra-special."

Dave, who became a family favourite after appearing alongside fellow Boltonian Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights, is equally delighted to be involved.

He said: "I love Bolton. I was born and raised here and worked here for a good part of my life and I can't think of a greater honour than to switch on the lights in my home town."

This year's Sunday ceremony will also see £75,000 worth of new lights in Newport Street, Victoria Square and Oxford Street.

Bolton Town Centre Management is investigating ways of also lighting up Bradshawgate, Churchgate, Nelson Square and Bridge Street for the festive season.

It follows protests by pub licensees in the past that Bradshawgate - one of the main night-out venues - lacks Christmas spirit because Bolton Council leaves it out of the lights display. They said the street would have a more festive atmosphere if it was decorated in the same way as Deansgate in Manchester.

To enable the lights to go up in Bradshawgate, Churchgate, Nelson Square and Bridge Street, it is hoped that businesses will help to meet the cost, although there will be a one-off payment from Bolton Council if needed.

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