Downpour fails to wash out Hanley Christmas lights

Heavy rain failed to stop thousands of people turning up to see Stoke City manager Tony Pulis push the button on this year’s Christmas lights in Hanley.

The crowd had umbrellas at the ready as Signal 1’s Perry and Louise hosted the show, kicking off with local rockers Six Towns.

Also appearing were pop singers Antixx and Molly Monroe, and indie/rock band the Loveable Rogues, who were finalists in Britain’s Got Talent and admitted they enjoyed taking part in Christmas light switch on events.

“They turn out very different every time,” said band member Te Qhairo Eugene. “It’s always good because it’s always jolly and everyone’s in good spirits and we love it.

Six Towns guitarist Simon Harry added: “I’ve been to it [the switch on] a couple of times so it’s a weird turn of events to be up there.”

Children were kept entertained by fairground rides, while those who wanted some calmer entertainment could enjoy a performance by Trentham Brass Band and some hot chestnuts.

Potters boss Pulis and Stoke hockey legend Imran Sherwani and Potters took to the stage before lighting up the town with a push of the button.

Click below to see Kieren McNally’s video highlights from the event:



Amanda James, 32, from Stoke, was there with her six-year-old son Miles. She said: “He doesn’t care about the rain, I don’t think kids care about much when there’s rides.

“I’m actually not surprised [by the turn out]. It takes more than this to stop people here having a good time!”

Click below to see pictures from the event by Jovi Mullen, Lily Hartley and Maanik Chadda:



Meanwhile, last Saturday saw hundreds gather in Stafford’s Market Square for the big switch on.

They watched Raymond Briggs’ Snowman on stage, alongside the Mayor and Town Crier to kickstart a firework spectacular to welcome the lights.

A variety of entertainment took place as part of a Victorian Christmas Market, including traders in period costume and stalls selling a variety of festive treats.

(Reporting by Joe Turner, Kirsty Shelts, Kieren McNally and Maanik Chadda)