Coronation Street's Samia Ghadie switches Middleton Christmas lights on

Middleton Gardens was packed as the Middleton Christmas lights were switched on

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

Middleton Gardens was packed to watch actress Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria in Coronation Street, switch the Middleton Christmas lights on.

Samia was on stage for the count down to the Christmas light switch on and firework display at around 5.45pm after a day packed with live performances on the community stage.

Mulled wine and mince pies warmed the crowds on a bitterly cold Saturday (19 November).

Middleton's Christmas Launch, organised by Middleton Town Centre Management Company, with funding from Middleton Shopping Centre and Middleton Township, included a family fun fair, festive stalls, a community stage jam packed with acts from 12noon until the switch on at 5.45pm, live music, a free 'postyourselfie' photo booth complete with selfies and with Santa himself, great food and complementary mulled wine and mince pies.

Throughout the day, there were performances from Middleton Popstars Academy, Rochdale Music Service, Middleton Brass Band, Langley Theatre Work Shop and the winners and runners up of Middleton Shopping Centre's Summer Sessions - Seedy and Sketchy, Savannah Kunyo and Jayne Barnes School of Dance.

The festive launch concluded with a spectacular firework display.

Ashleigh Franklin, Middleton Town Centre Manager said: “Again, another fantastic event for Middleton. It really is heart warming to see so many people turn out for our switch on. Thank you to the community for their continued support, both the acts that perform and the public who turn out. Without you, this event would not be possible.”