The city’s Rio heroes are ready to light up Leeds at this year’s spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event.
Leeds-born triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee and Paralympian Kadeena Cox will be the special guests of honour at Thursday’s showpiece, when they will take to the stage and get the festive season officially underway.
Taking place on Victoria Gardens on The Headrow, the switch-on will also include live music and entertainment in front of an expected crowd of thousands.
Speaking ahead of the event, double Olympic gold medallist Ali said “The people of Leeds have given us so much support and encouragement through the years and knowing the city is behind us has always helped spur us on whenever we’re competing around the world.”
The Brownlees will be joined by Paralympic gold medallist, Kadeena Cox who won bronze in the 100 metres sprint and gold in 500 metres cycling time trials.
Other attractions on the night will include fun fair rides along Cookridge Street, with entertainment culminating in the big switch-on of one of the UK's largest displays of city centre festive illuminations and spectacular fireworks lighting up the city's skyline.
The event will start at Victoria Gardens on The Headrow from around 6.45pm.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The Christmas lights switch on is always such an exciting occasion and we’re particularly proud to welcome some our Rio heroes Ali and Jonny Brownlee and Kadeena Cox to the stage as special guests of honour. They are tremendous ambassadors for Leeds and I’m sure they’ll get an incredible welcome from the crowds."

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