Published 21 October 2011

Steps to switch on Christmas Lights

REUNITED pop stars STEPS have confirmed today they are to switch on The Trafford Centre’s famous Christmas Lights.

The band, famous for hits like 5,6,7,8, and Tragedy, will flick the switch on more than £1 million worth of animatronic decorations on October 27, when shoppers are expected to descend on the Centre for the special hour-long event.

Joining STEPS as the headline act, will be stars from Coronation Street, Kate Ford (Tracey Barlow) and Nikki Patel (Amber Kalirai).

Also appearing will be stage stars from Dirty Dancing, man-band of the moment The Reason 4, and animated movie stars Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The ever-popular Coca-Cola Gospel Choir will be setting the scene in the afternoon, before the Main Stage event kicks off at 6pm.

Number One

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre, said: “We are delighted to have secured Steps as our headline act for the annual Christmas Lights Switch On – they have the number one album this week, and a hit show on Sky TV. They are the reunion story of the year, and we’re going to be reliving the heyday of their popularity in The Orient next week.”

Steps have sold an astonishing 15million records, and have enjoyed 14 Number One singles in the UK charts.

The Christmas Lights Switch On traditionally heralds the start of the shopping season at The Trafford Centre, as all eyes turn to preparations for the festivities in November and December.

Added McKinnon: “Stores catering for fashion, gifts, electronics and homewares have now brought out their Christmas ranges, Santa Claus’ Ice Palace Grotto with 4D Cinema will open, with community choirs and brass bands taking to the Malls to help create the magical atmosphere for which The Trafford Centre is known.

“We have a grand new centre-piece decoration in the Main Dome this year, and lots of exciting events lined up in the lead-in to Christmas. Our aim is to make The Trafford Centre a must-visit destination during the Christmas season, which starts in style on Thursday, 27 October.”

Said McKinnon: “I’d like to thank Key 103 for securing us such an exciting act, right at the top of their return to the national stage. Steps are glamorous and entertaining family act – and a perfect fit for a Trafford Centre Christmas.”

WHAT: The Christmas Lights Switch On at The Trafford Centre, presented by Mike Toolan and Chelsea Spokes of Key 103.

WHERE: In The Orient, The Trafford Centre

WHEN: October 27th, choir starts at 3pm, 4pm and 5:30pm, stage-show starts at 6pm until switch-on at 7pm.

WHO: Steps, Dirty Dancing, The Reason 4, Alvin and the Chipmunks, stars from Coronation Street (names TBC)

ENDS

FOR access to the event, and to request interviews with the acts, please email Justin in The Trafford Centre Press Office on: jwebb@traffordcentre.co.uk

The grand opening parade for Santa Claus’ Ice Palace Grotto takes place on Thursday 11th November at 4:30pm at the main stage, with a parade setting off at 5:30pm to arrive at Santa’s reindeer drawn arrival at Barton Square.