Kitten lights the way for festive celebration

Nov 19 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Crowds watching Liverpool's Christmas lights switch-on at St George's Plateau _320

WET weather failed to dampen spirits at Liverpool’s Christmas lights switch-on last night.

Thousands of people turned out with umbrellas to watch Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton light up the skyline at the ceremony outside St George’s Hall.

She performed along with Last year’s X Factor hopefuls Eton Road, 12-year-old singer Shaun Walsh and the Notre Dame School Choir, from Everton Valley.

During the countdown, Natasha was joined on stage by Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher, Everton FC’s Victor Anichebe, Lord Mayor Paul Clark and city council leader Warren Bradley.

She said: “It is brilliant that people have come out in the rain to watch the ceremony – it has been so much fun.

“I did this a few years ago with the girls in Atomic Kitten and we loved doing it then, too.

‘‘It is such a special season and the decorations look beautiful – a perfect way to go into 2008.”

Natasha also talked about her part in the Number One Project, in which Atomic Kitten will be covering Anyone Who Had a Heart by Cilla Black, to raise cash for Liverpool charities and mark Capital of Culture year. She said: “It is such an honour to celebrate 2008 in this way and to be the first to sing in the Liverpool Echo Arena.

“What a classic song as well, we are very privileged to be covering Cilla, she is a living legend.”

The night also saw Santa abseil down the side of St George’s Hall, and Eton Road performing a new track, Wishing.

Band member Danny Morris said: “Over the last few months, we have been in the studio recording original tracks which we have written ourselves.

“Being able to perform our own tracks is a fantastic experience.”

Cllr Clark said: “The night was marvellous – the crowd was huge despite bad weather. The entertainment was great and for the first time ever I think all the acts were from Liverpool – it shows how much talent we have.”

The Lord Mayor continued: “The lights needed to be something special this year, and I think they have lived up to expectations.”

Cllr Bradley added: “The Christmas lights switch-on is a much-loved event in the city’s calendar, and a sure sign the festive season is upon us.

“It was a great evening and I’m especially pleased we were able to showcase such a great selection of local stars this year.”

Southport’s festive lights switch-on, by TV legend Stuart Hall, also drew a large crowd.

lizawilliams@dailypost.co.uk