A spectacular fireworks display lit up Bradford city centre as thousands gathered to witness the big Christmas lights switch-on tonight.

The illuminating event was witnessed by a packed Centenary Square, treated to performances from soap star Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland in Coronation Street, and his former co-star Richard Fleeshman, winner of hit television show Soapstar Superstar.

They were joined onstage by classical female vocal group All Angels, members of Bradford City FC and Bradford Bulls mascot Bullman.

Andy, who also played Darren in The Royle Family, got the crowd going as he belted out an impressive version of Mustang Sally while Richard performed new tracks from his forthcoming album.

All Angles, billed as the "biggest female classical vocal group in the world", serenaded the audience with a moving performance which included Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence and Christ-mas favourite Silent Night.

Lorraine Grafton, 52, and Kevin Taylor, 41, wre among the crowd.

Mrs Grafton, of Wibsey, said: "The best things were Richard Fleesh-man and the fireworks. This is the first time we have been. We saw it advertised, it was a convenient night and we are glad we came."

Meanwhile Kath Lygo, 55, witnessed the event with her grandchildren, friend Philomena and her two children Francesca and Luke.

Mrs Lygo, of Eccleshill, said: "The singing and the entertainment was great - Kirky baby was the best, he was brilliant.

"The fireworks were spectacular and the actual lights are looking really nice. We come every year, but this was a good one."

Andy was drafted in to headline the event after co-star Antony Cotton had to pull out because of filming commitments. Mrs Lygo however was not left disappointed with the change in the bill.

She said: "I'm glad Kirk came - he's a good singer is Kirk."

Last year Andy's Coronation Street colleague Samia Smith, who plays hairdresser Maria Sutherland, illuminated the city along with Emmerdale actor Ben Freeman, who plays Scott Windsor in the Yorkshire soap.

Charlie Webb, who plays Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale, had been due to take the stage alongside her co-star but pulled out due to extra filming commitments.

The Christmas lights switch-on also heralded the start of late-night shopping in Bradford.

The Council has joined in the Christmas spirit with free parking on all Council operated car parks after 4.30pm on Thursday afternoons until December 21.