Pop star Simon Webbe, best known as a member of the British boyband Blue, will headline Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On event next month.
The sparkling spectacular will be held between 3pm and 5.30pm on Sunday November 20.
Twist and Pulse, of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent fame, will also feature in this year’s packed programme, hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s Jonny Awsum.
Simon said: “I have always enjoyed performing in Carlisle and I can’t wait to come back and see everyone there. No matter what the weather is going to be like (maybe even a bit of snow) we will all have a great time, and I can’t wait.”
Twist and Pulse added: “We are super excited to play this show, we always love being in Carlisle and who doesn’t love Christmas so to be asked to perform and help switch the lights on is a real privilege.”
The event will also be a showcase of local community groups and performers including Carlisle Dance Academy, Rocket Theatre School, Belle Vue School choir and Jordyn Louise Dance.
The stage will be in place in the city centre pedestrianised area, outside the Old Town Hall. Organised by Carlisle City Council, it will provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages.
Carlisle mayor Mike Mitchelson will trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5pm. The Christmas Lights Switch-On is part of Carlisle’s countdown to Christmas.
Leader of Carlisle City Council, John Mallinson, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is another great Carlisle City Council event and is a showcase for celebrity performers and local talent. The free event is set to be another great event.”
Simon is a singer, DJ, songwriter and actor who was born in Manchester. Best known as a member of the British boyband Blue selling over 16 million albums worldwide, with over 40 worldwide number one hits, two Brit Awards, he has also sold over three million albums during his solo career.
His first single after Blue disbanded was Lay Your Hands which was released in 2005 and reached number four in the UK Singles Chart. No Worries also reached number four in November making him the only Blue member to have two top 10 singles.
In 2008 Simon went into the Australian jungle in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here!
In 2011 Blue represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Germany and later that year saw Simon taking part in the Christmas Strictly Come Dancing Special which led to him being a contestant the following year in the twelfth series of the show.
2014 saw Simon reach the finals of BBC’S Strictly Come Dancing with his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.
Simon can be seen performing and DJ’ing regularly up and down the country at some of the most prestigious events, Simon has just completed his fourth studio album.
Twist and Pulse
Born and bred South Londoners, Ashley Glazebrook and Glen Murphy, met at the renowned Brit School of Performing Arts.
As their alter egos, Twist (Ash) and Pulse (Glen), they quickly shot to fame on one of the most watched TV shows in the UK. They achieved second place on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and more recently took the Champion of Champions title in the latest series Britain’s Got Talent – The Champions.
Jonny Awsum
He is an award-winning comedian who has charmed audiences all around the world with his high energy performance style and unique brand of musical comedy.
After building his reputation on the UK comedy circuit, where he is a regular headliner and closing act, Jonny shot to national fame on Britain’s Got Talent. His TV performances won standing ovations and unanimous praise from the judges and went viral on the internet, racking up over 50 million views on YouTube.
Following BGT, Jonny enjoyed a whirlwind 18 months including a sell-out five-star reviewed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, a starring role in his first pantomime, and tour support to both Lost Voice Guy and Tape Face on their hit UK theatre tours. In 2022 Jonny performed at Glastonbury, supported Jason Manford on tour in arenas and played his 2000th show.
