 | | The countdown begins... |
Former S Club 7 member Rachel Stevens performed three songs on the specially-built stage at Victoria Gardens on The Headrow in the city centre, including hits Sweet Dreams My LAX and Some Girls. More music was provided by up-and-coming girl band Love Bites, plus a special performance from Santa Claus along with Rudolf and Frosty the snowman.
Lending a helping hand with proceedings were 'Pop Idol' judge and music manager, Nicki Chapman, Ronnie the Rhino and Jamie Jones Buchanan and Harry Potter and Hagrid.
 | | The firework display |
Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor William S Hyde was there for the official switch-on along with the mini-mayor, seven-year-old Edward Addison from Garforth Community College, winner of the council's Be Lord Mayor for the Day competition. It may have been raining, but that certainly didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd who enjoyed the entertainment, the fireworks and the mini fun fair. The switch-on of the 13 miles of Christmas Lights in Leeds city centre signals the beginning of the city's late-night shopping season. | 
