FORMER X Factor winner Matt Cardle did the honours at last night’s Christmas lights switch-on in Blackburn, kicking off the festive period in the town.

The annual event saw the 2010 champion flick the switch in the town centre in front of hundreds of people who were also treated to performances from Re-Connected, former X Factor contestant Jonjo Kerr and Giles Potter.

Crowds packed into King William Street also saw performances from Nickelodeon’s Poppy Cat, Boomin, Fame Academy’s Carolynne Poole and B-minor.

Performances were also staged by Lloyd and Lil Chris, Redd and Rime Suspex before a fireworks display.

Crowd member Sarah Carson, 19, from Blackburn, said: “I come here every year with my friends and it’s always such a fantastic evening.

“We have always had a great time and this year was no different. Seeing Matt Cardle was a massive attraction to come because I’m a massive fan.”

Adam Stoke, 30, from Blackburn, said: “This event has become an annual tradition for my family and we have a really nice time every year. It’s great that kids saw Matt tonight because he is a big star after appearing on the X Factor not too long ago. All of the acts were great and really added to the fantastic atmosphere.”

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration, said: “The Blackburn light switch-on marked the start of this year’s Christmas celebrations but it also symbolises that Blackburn is open.

“The town centre 12-point plan which was announced early this month will see Blackburn undergo a major transformation aimed at attracting visitors to the town centre, both during the day and at night.

“Last night Matt switched on our Christmas lights and he also switched on the start of an exciting time for Blackburn.”