Last updated 15:01, Monday, 17 November 2008

This time last year Britain’s Got Talent star Andrew Johnston was standing in the crowd watching the Christmas lights get switched on.

Carlisle Christmas lights switch on

• Slideshow: Carlisle lights switch-on

But last night it was his turn in the limelight as he flicked the switch to light up Carlisle for the festive season.

Andrew, a former pupil at the city’s Trinity School, came third in the ITV1 show singing Pie Jesu.

He has since released an album which reached the top 10 in the UK album charts.

Andrew was joined on stage by Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Jacquelyne Geddes who urged everyone to “be generous” this Christmas.

Before lighting up the city at 5.30pm, Andrew demonstrated some of his singing talent with a rendition of Abba’s I Have A Dream.

The Carlisle Cathedral chorister said: “It has been an incredible year for me. I can't quite believe that I am switching on Carlisle’s lights. It’s great to be back in my home city and I would like to thank everyone for the support they gave me during the competition. It means a lot.

“Carlisle is a city which we should all be very proud of – thank you for making Carlisle the capital of Christmas.”

The News & Star‘s promotions manager David McNeill and DJ Robbie Dee from CFM Radio got the crowd in the mood prior to the switch on by introducing tribute bands Swede Dreamz (Abba) and Men in Black (Blues Brothers) – complete with a dancing duck!

And then it was time for the countdown and then cheers and clapping as the lights came on and lots of excited faces as children realised its nearly time for Santa.

Carlisle has gone green this Christmas with each of the 2,400 bulbs being replaced with low energy LED lights courtesy of Sky Movies.

Carlisle City Council leader Mike Mitchelson, said: “Having the support of Sky Movies this year is really exciting for the city and the Christmas experience we are offering.

“Their support will ensure that our lighting scheme is not only one of the most sparkling but will also be greener and better for the environment.”

The centrepiece of the city’s display this year is a 10 metre-tall tree, with other illuminations around the Citadel.

Prior to the lights switch a special tenth anniversary Light Up A Life service was held in the city centre.

The event is organised by the News & Star and the Eden Valley Hospice to remember those we have loved and lost over the festive season.

The idea is that people buy a light in memory of someone they have lost and that light shines brightly on a tree in the centre of Carlisle over the festive season.

Music was provided by the Carlisle Citadel Salvation Army Band.

The service began with a few poignant words from David McNeill.

He said: “It was 10 years ago that I stood in this spot with our very first Light Up A Life service and ten years on we are still here.

"Every year we have continued the tradition and it means as much to me as it does to you.

"This is a very special event to remember those we have lost and those who are still with us."

Carols including O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night and Hark The Herald Angels were sung.

The Mayor gave a reading from John 1: 1-14 and a minute’s silence was observed.

Dawn Tierney, the Eden Valley Hospice chaplain, said: “Christmas is a time for memories and can be a time of very mixed feelings especially if you have recently lost a loved one.”

Sheila Goodliffe, chief executive of the Eden Valley Hospice, said the service was “very special.”

Other Light Up A Life services will be held across the county during November and December.

Last night’s switch on was organised by the News & Star and Carlisle City Council.