LIGHT FANTASTIC!
The big switch on in city centre
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 switchon. 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.
At first you could barely hear the band for the screaming but the super excited and enthusiastic crowd soon settled and sang along for all they were worth.
Rak-Su are an R&B group who quickly became X-Factor favourites
last year by writing and performing their own original songs.
After forming just two years ago, they had three singles reach number one on the iTunes chart during their run in the contest.
Since winning the competition, the band reached number 2 in the UK charts with Dimelo, which saw them working with Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy.
They also toured with Little Mix – the only other band to win the X-Factor in its 15 year history – this summer, worked with Canadian production duo Banx & Ranx and are working on new music.