It's Christmas in Rochdale town centre

Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2008

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Hundreds of people gathered on The Butts in Rochdale Town Centre this evening to see the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

Rochdale's Spanish Friend 'Dora the Explorer' turned on the lights alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker and Ann Jones and Rochdale Hornets players and staff.

Ahead of the switch-on a lantern parade wound its way down Yorkshire Street, fronted by a brass band playing traditional Christmas carols.

The lights were switched on during a live broadcast on 96.2 the Revolution Radio, who kept the crowd entertained alongside carol singers from Shawclough Primary School.

The event marked the start of late night Thursday shopping in the town centre in the build up to Christmas. Many shops are open until 8pm every Thursday until Thursday 18 December. Shoppers can also park free until 9pm in the Exchange, Wheatsheaf and Bus Station Car Parks when entering after 4.30pm.