Snapped: Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-On 2014

Thousands of people flocked to Manchester city centre for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, marking the start of the festive season.

The city centre squares became Britain's biggest pop venue for the night as thousands of people watched the spectacular show live in Albert Square and via live web streams beamed across the world.

The night was opened and pulses set racing by the choreography of the Printwork’s Street Dance competition winners, Superkidz.

Mancunian funny man, Jason Manford, delighted the crowds with his individual brand of comedy, while Britain’s Got Talent winners and chart toppers Collabro and crowd favourite Shane Ward delighted fans with their live performances. 

The cast of Shrek the Musical and the stars of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, including Hollywood star Warwick Davies, were also given a warm reception from the excitable crowd.