BRITAIN’S got Talent’s Ronan Parke teamed up with Rainford X Factor sensation Bradley Johnson to make it a switched-on start to St Helens’ Christmas funfeast.

Victoria Square was rammed with festive cheer on Saturday as almost 6,000 fans gathered for the town's action-packed Christmas light switch on.

There was a superb line-up for the event, headlined by BGT runner-up Ronan Parke.

After wishing St Helens a merry Christmas, Ronan went on to perform a selection of songs including a powerful rendition of 'Songbird' and the upbeat Cee Lo Green hit 'Forget You' which went down a treat with the audience who waved their complimentary glow sticks in the air, as hordes of young girls screamed at the star.

The event also showcased a variety of home-grown talent.

St Helen Youth Brass Band and Music Service Choir performed a host of traditional carols to put revellers in the festive spirit.

Rainford's Bradley Johnson took to the stage, fresh from his X Factor experience, and appeared delighted with the amazing response he received in his home town.

Also warming up the crowd were local artists Abbie Daley, street dancer Gingerbread Man, and popular urban artists A Me B and Aquablakk, who clocked up their third performance at the event to date.

Front man Cliff was delighted to be asked back: “Aquablakk’s third St Helens Christmas light switch on in a row was awesome this year.The crowd were simply awesome and so welcoming too us-the reception we receive when we perform here is second to none. We get a buzz here and look forward to more performances next year!”

There were also special guest appearances from Saints star Jamie Foster and the casts from the two pantomimes in town this Christmas; Aladdin and Alice in Wonderland.

The family fun was wrapped up with the lighting of the spectacular 35ft tree, and the night went out with a bang in a firework finale.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Communications Councillor Eric Smith said: “Victoria Square was packed on Saturday night and everyone enjoyed what was probably our biggest and best switch-on yet.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to support our town centre traders with events like this and hope to see as many people as possible joining us in the weeks and months ahead for a packed programme of entertainment.”

This year’s switch-on was even bigger and brighter than usual – with the addition of the Illumifest lighting and special effects show. Designed by international lighting artist Andy McKeown, the project has also involved pupils from Rainhill High School and Cowley International College.

The switch on kick-starts an impressive programme of events due to take place in the town this Christmas including the Christmas markets, street entertainment, and even a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer!

For more information about the events visit whatsoninsthelens.com