Social media sensation Junior Andre to headline Nelson Christmas Light Switch On

Singer songwriter, television personality and social media star Junior Andre, will headline this year's Nelson Christmas Light Switch On.

The rising pop star, who has amassed millions of views across social media, will take to the main stage at 5pm on Saturday, November 21, performing his music, before a spectacular fireworks display brings the festivities to a close.

Junior shot to fame in 2022 when his debut single, 'Slide', went viral and reached number one on the iTunes Pop Chart just hours after its release, beating global superstars including Lady Gaga, Eminem and Harry Styles to the top spot.

He followed that success in 2023 with his second single, 'Only One', which also reached number one on the iTunes chart.

Since then, Junior has continued to build a huge following, with over half a million followers on both Instagram and TikTok.

More recently, he has appeared alongside his younger sister, Princess Andre, in ITV2's reality series The Princess Diaries and the BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World, while also returning to the studio in 2026 to work on new music.

Sponsored by Nelson Town Council, the Christmas Light Switch On promises an action-packed afternoon of live music, dance performances, festive entertainment and family attractions, with celebrations getting underway from 12pm.

Popular local host Gavin Young will kick off the festivities with a special Michael Bublé tribute performance, bringing some Christmas classics to the main stage.

The Helen Green Academy of Dance will then entertain the crowds with a series of festive-themed performances at 12.30pm and 2.15pm, while younger visitors can enjoy a special Frozen sing-along at 1.30pm, followed by a meet and greet with the characters in Santa's Grotto at 2pm. The Frozen favourites will return to the stage for another performance at 2.30pm.

At 3pm, the celebrations will continue with a Sabrina Carpenter tribute, featuring some of the pop star's biggest hits, including 'Espresso' and 'Please Please Please'.

That will be followed at 3.30pm by Korean singer-songwriter and TikTok sensation Sungjoon, who has built a global social media following of more than 900,000.

Known for his powerful vocals and emotional performances, the London-based artist has attracted more than 30 million views across TikTok and Instagram with his viral cover of Radiohead's 'Creep'. He has also performed on BBC radio, appeared at Sofar Sounds and toured Canada as an opening act for Johnny Drille.

At 4pm, music fans can sing along to all their favourite hits with a Taylor Swift tribute performance, before Bhangra dancers and Dhol drummers bring an explosion of colour, music and energy to the main stage at 4.30pm.

Away from the stage, there will be plenty more for families to enjoy throughout the afternoon, including a free Santa's Grotto, with opportunities to meet Santa at 2.30pm and 4pm. Children visiting the grotto will also receive a free selection box, while stocks last.

Visitors can also enjoy funfair rides and explore a variety of festive food, drink and craft stalls.

The celebrations will culminate with Junior Andre's headline performance at 5pm, followed by a magnificent fireworks display.

Coun. Sughra Bibi, events chair at Nelson Town Council, said: "We have a fantastic afternoon planned, with so much entertainment for everyone to enjoy, from live music and dance performances to festive activities for all the family.

“It's going to be a wonderful occasion for our community, and we hope to see as many people as possible joining us for the celebrations."