Junior Andre to headline Nelson's Christmas lights switch-on

Social media sensation Junior Andre will headline Nelson's Christmas lights switch-on, performing on the main stage before a fireworks display rounds off the celebrations.

The singer, songwriter and social media personality will take to the stage at 5pm on Saturday, November 21.

Andre shot to fame in 2022 when his debut single, Slide, went viral and topped the iTunes Pop Chart. His follow-up single, Only One, also reached number one in 2023.

He has since built a substantial social media following, with more than half a million followers on both Instagram and TikTok, and appeared in ITV2's The Princess Diaries and the BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World.

Organised by Nelson Town Council, the free event gets underway at noon, with live music, dance performances and family entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Local host Gavin Young will perform a Michael Bublé tribute, while the Helen Green Academy of Dance will present festive routines.

Other acts include a Frozen sing-along and character appearance, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift tributes, and Korean singer-songwriter Sungjoon, who has more than 900,000 social media followers.

Bhangra dancers and Dhol drummers will also perform at 4.30pm.

Families can enjoy a free Santa's Grotto, with children receiving a selection box while stocks last. Funfair rides and festive food, drink and craft stalls will also be available.

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.”