THE festive season officially began in Blackburn last night as pop star Alesha Dixon switched on the lights.

Huge crowds gathered outside the town hall in King William Street where the Britain’s Got Talent judge was joined by King of the Jungle Carl Fogarty and East Lancashire BGT stars Ella Shaw and Henry Gallagher.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Former World Superbike racer Fogarty, who also opened the ice palace in The Mall, said he was ecstatic to be back in his homeland.

He said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be in my home town which I don’t get to spend much time in these days.

“It’s nice to be able to do this before I head out to the jungle again to crown the new king or queen.”

Chantelle Regan attended the Christmas light switch-on and said: “I had been waiting since three o’clock for the event as I am a big fan of Alesha Dixon, it’s so great that she’s been here.”

Katrina Smith, 35, from Blackburn, said: “They need to do more stuff like this for the kids because they were so excited for it.” The event was hosted by Phoenix Nights star Ted Robbins and X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden.