X Factor sensation Laura White has appeared on stage to turn on the Christmas lights.
A throat infection meant the 21-year-old could not sing but she was present to turn on the lights days after her latest single, You Should Have Known, which entered the charts at number 32, giving Laura her first top 40 hit.
She said: “When I was invited to switch on the lights I couldn't believe it. It meant so much because I sang when I was 16 when Peter Kay switched them on and I remember thinking how amazing it must be.
The event last night started with Bolton's Children's Workshop taking to the stage at around 5.20pm.
Shortly afterwards, pupils from SS Osmund and Andrew Primary sang their Xmas song.
Players from Bolton Wanderers appeared on stage at 5.50pm with captain Kevin Davies saying: "The lads love coming down to the lights, and it's great for the kids too."
The cast from Oliver appeared, fresh from the stage and the parade began at 6.30pm, arriving in Victoria Square at 6.50pm.
Laura White appeared at 7pm to turn on the lights.
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