By Karen Evans

Last updated at 10:49, Saturday, 17 November 2012

A crowd of 5,000 people went wild with excitement as X Factor runner-up Marcus Collins switched on Workington’s Christmas lights.

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Fans of all ages sang along last night as the singer performed Moves Like Jaggar, Seven Nation Army, I’m Your Man, Lately and Higher and Higher on the Live Stage on Uldale Car Park, on Pow Street.

Marcus, who was on the ITV show last year, said: “I’m so honoured to be here tonight to turn on the lights in Workington and to sing for the crowds. I love Christmas time and it’s so nice to see everyone here tonight getting into the Christmas spirit.

“I’ve never been to Workington before, only to the Lake District. I’m looking forward to staying here this evening and getting to see more of the area before I go.”

The live stage at the Winter Wonderland event also saw performances from Christian Novak, Swift, Rianna MacDonald, Razzamataz and House of Three Hands.

There were also 20 stalls selling cakes, hot dogs, burgers, jewellery and gifts on Risman Place, Pow Street, Steelman’s Walk and Ivison Lane.

Joanne Fletcher, 32, of Honister Drive, Workington, who was at the event with her daughter Sophie, 11, said: “We came tonight to see Marcus and he was fantastic. The atmosphere has been great. It’s really put us into the Christmas spirit.”

Bethan Nelson, 15, of Calva Park, Seaton, said: “I came to the event last year and had a really good time. We all love Marcus and we’re really excited to see him perform.”

As part of the event the Rugby League World Cup Trophy took a tour around Workington stopping at the Carnegie Theatre, The Oval Centre in Salterbeck, Moorclose Community Centre, Northside Communiuty Centre, Seaton Rugby Club and finished at the Workington lights.

The Mayor of Allerdale, Carole Armstrong, the Mayor of Workington, Andrew Lawson, and Allerdale Council leader Alan Smith were at the Winter Wonderland event.

It was organised by CN Events, part of News & Star publishers Cumbrian Newspapers, Allerdale Council and Workington town council.

CN Events director Marie Whitehead said: “We’ve had a big star in Workington and the biggest crowd we’ve had yet.”

n Winners of the News and Star meet and greet competition were: Hanna Swinburne, 13, of Lakeland View, Workington, who brought along friend Nicola Torrance, 14, of Glasgow; Rianna MacDonald, 12, of Sarsfield Road, Workington, who brought along her mum Vickie MacDonald, 38, Sarsfield Road, Workington; and Donna Marsden, 19, of Harcourt Street, Workington, who brought along her mum Allison Marsden, 47.

First published at 10:15, Saturday, 17 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk