X-Factor champions announced for Coventry Christmas lights switch-on

[dutchman]

The reigning champions of X-Factor will officially launch the festive season in Coventry



Winners of last year’s competition, Rak-Su, are the special guests at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on.

Going ahead on Wednesday, November 21 in Broadgate, the group will be on hand to entertain the crowds.

Trish Willetts, director of Coventry Business Improvement District, is encouraging everyone to come along, enjoy the evening including the headliner act and embrace the Christmas spirit on the night.

“We’re delighted that Rak-Su will be joining us for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on,” Trish said.

“We want to make this year the biggest switch-on ever and we feel the boys will help us do that.

“They will bring a huge amount of entertainment and energy and we can’t wait to welcome them to Coventry.

“A whole host of local talent will also be performing on the night, so it will be something that the whole family can enjoy.”

The event will begin at 5pm and run until 8pm.

Deputy Leader and cabinet member for events, councillor Abdul Khan, said: “I am very excited that Rak-Su will be helping us to celebrate the Christmas Lights Switch-On this year – the band are sure to draw in a great crowd to kick off Christmas in style in the city centre.

“We know how much residents enjoy the switch-on. It’s a big part of the festive build up and lots of families make sure they attend every year, so it’s great that we’ve got such a fantastic act as well as many other performers to join in the party and ensure that Coventry has a great Christmas.”

Lucky us!

[dutchman]

Rak-Su wow the crowds at the Christmas Lights Switch-on



Thousands turned out to see X-Factor winners Rak-Su join Coventry’s Lord Mayor and Santa Claus to turn on Coventry city centre’s Christmas lights.

It might have been a bitterly cold evening but thankfully there was none of the rain and sleet seen earlier in the day.

Trish Willetts, director of Coventry BID, said she wanted it to be the biggest Christmas switch-on ever in the city and it certainly looked like it was.

The fact it was dry ensured a great atmosphere in Broadgate, with all those in the crowd having made sure they wrapped-up well for the occasion.

Many got there in advance of the 5.30pm kick-off to claim a prime spot by the railings in front of the stage.

Free Radio presenters JD and Roisin compered the proceedings as usual and there was a whole host of entertainment before the big switch-on.

There were performances by the This Is Me Choir and Elite Dance.

Guests onstage included champion Coventry athlete Kare Adenagan and former athlete David Moorcroft.

The entertainment also included Sound Lab, the D Day Darlings, Coventry City Council Choir and Charlie Healy.

Those who attended were also treated to a snippet of Debbie Issit’s Nativity 4 film, which had its world premiere in Coventry earlier this week.

The big switch-on happened slightly later than planned, due to a few technical difficulties, but when it did the audience gave Rak-Su and the other dignitaries a rapturous welcome.

Coventry’s Lord Mayor, Councillor John Blundell, said: “It is great to see so many people here and can I from Coventry City Council wish you a very happy Christmas.”

When interviewed Rak-Su joked that the best Christmas present they could get would be if someone could take fellow band member Ashley away on holiday.

The familiar countdown from ten saw the plunger switch put into action as Broadgate burst into a blaze of Christmas colour.

After a short interlude Rak-Su returned to the stage to give a 20-minute performance of their hits.