Thousands of people gathered on Victoria Gardens in Leeds last night for the city's dazzling annual lights switch-on.
Leeds-born triathletes Ali and Jonny Brownlee and Paralympian Kadeena Cox were the special guests of honour with musical performances from girl band Stooshe and X Factor contestant James Wilson.
Also entertaining the crowd were Cbeebies stars Andy Day and Alex Winters, panto favourite Jez Edwards, and Britain’s Got Talent sensations Boogie Storm.
The spectacular event also featured also live performances from the cast of Strictly Ballroom, who are appearing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, and Breeze has Talent 2016 winner Cole Lawton-Challenger.
Speaking after the event, Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Tonight has been an incredible occasion, and we’ve seen thousands of people of all ages come together at the heart of the city centre to get the festive season officially underway."
“It was particularly special to see our Rio heroes Ali and Jonny Brownlee and Kadeena Cox on stage this evening and to hear the amazing reception they received from the crowd."
“These three phenomenal athletes are outstanding ambassadors for Leeds and I hope tonight has once again emphasised the pride and gratitude the city has for the unforgettable sporting memories they gave us this summer."
“With the Christmas lights now illuminating the city centre and some exciting events and activities planned, we can look forward to what I’m sure will be a very memorable festive season in Leeds.”
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award
Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise
The Golden Era
Remix Saturdays
Legal Show
Bhangra Nights