Thousands pack the town centre to see Jamie Archer

Jamie Archer performing live on stage on The Butts

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X Factor contestant Jamie Archer thrilled a packed town centre audience as he sang for the thousands thronging The Butts and officially switched on the Christmas lights - his first public performance since his exit from the popular show - during a fun packed evening of entertainment in the town centre tonight (Thursday 19 November).

Despite impressing the TV judges, the 33-year-old rock singer, known as Jamie Afro because of his distinctive hairdo, was knocked out of the X Factor after a nail biting public vote.

Jamie was a big hit with the Rochdale public who turned out in huge numbers to see him, they went wild at his introduction on stage. At the end of his set, with the crowd cheering and chanting his name he told them "Rochdale you are wonderful".

Folically challenged Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, joked he wanted "Jamie Archer's hair for Christmas" and remarked on a "fantastic turn out" for a "great event".

The event, on The Butts, hosted by Ditchy and Salty from the Real Radio Breakfast Show, also included a live performance by pop stars ‘Alphabeat’ - best known for their hit ‘Fascination’.

Rochdale AFC Manager Keith Hill and Assistant Manager Dave Flitcroft also appeared. They were joined by the cast of musical ‘Rent’ direct from the Curtain Theatre, Rochdale and children’s favourite, ‘Fizz’, from the Tweenies. The show was opened by Rochdale's singing Mayor, Councillor Keith Swift, following a Queens of Winter Wonderland parade down Yorkshire Street.

Jamie and the members of Alphabeat also showed their support for the 'Hands Off!' campaign, part of a multi-agency commitment to reduce the impact of domestic violence within our communities, by wearing 'Hands Off!' wrisit bands on stage (see photos 5, 10 and 13). 

Hands Off! wristbands have been created to gain support for victims and will soon be available to buy. All of the £1 purchase price of the wristbands will be donated to the Domestic Violence Forum, a registered charity in Rochdale, dedicated to providing help and support to victims of domestic abuse.

If you would like to purchase a wristband like Jamie's please contact Helen Wilkinson at Rochdale Borough Council:

helen.wilkinson@rochdale.gov.uk