X Factor stars Matt Cardle and Paul Akister at Lancaster Christmas lights switch on

Matt Cardle, who beat One Direction to win the TV talent search in 2010, will appear in front of massive crowds in Market Square.

And Paul Akister, who reached the live shows of this year’s contest, will also perform for his home fans for the first time since being controversially axed from the programme.

Cardle has released three Top 10 albums since winning the show and sold more than 2.2million records worldwide.

His most famous hits were his X Factor winner’s song and number one smash ‘When We Collide’ and a duet with ex-Spice Girl Melanie ‘Mel C’ Chisholm called ‘Loving You’.

Cardle was immensely popular with X Factor fans in 2010 due to his incredible vocal range and down-to-earth personality, as he fought off competition from Liverpool songstress Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction who have since gone on to become the world’s biggest boy band. Matt said: “I’m excited to be switching on the Christmas Lights in Lancaster this year. It will be a great way for me to say thank you to my fans in Lancaster for their 
love and support over the last four years.”

The Christmas Lights switch-on, due at 5.30pm, is a joint venture between Lancaster Unlimited (Lancaster’s Business Improvement District or BID) and The Bay radio station. The Bay will have a stage in Market Square and a full line-up of acts will perform in the run-up to the switch on and afterwards (3pm to 7.30pm).

They include Black Lace, famed for their 1980s party hits Agadoo and Do the Conga, as well as former X Factor finalists Kingsland Road and Kitty Brucknell.

Also look out for Britain’s Got Talent finalist Gabrielle ‘Gabz’ Gardiner, known for her Top 10 hit ‘Lighters (The One)’, novelty act Mr Zip, plus pop band Everyoung, girl band Vanquish, Hana Joy, Amy Jo Clough and Magalie.

There will be a Santa Dash for Cancer Care starting at 1pm.