LAST year’s Christmas lights switch-on in Accrington town centre cost just £9,000, council bosses have confirmed.

The annual event included a spectacular firework display.

And there was also a tribute act to the hit TV show Glee.

Now Hyndburn Council has released a full breakdown of its festive costs under the Freedom of Information Act.

A total of £1,100 was paid to performers on the night.

Elsewhere, the rest of the borough’s switch-on ceremonies in eight other towns cost just £152 because a free generator was provided by HSS Tool Hire, and performers appeared free of charge.

The hire of a Santa’s Grotto in the market hall for December cost £3,150, while Santa himself, plus his elf assistant cost £2,000 for three weeks.

In neighbouring Blackburn, Huncoat’s X Factor finalist Diana Vickers switched on the lights, but did not perform any songs, in an event that cost £13,000.