CHRISTMAS came to life at Yate Shopping Centre as the town's lights were switched on by superstar Peter Andre.

More than 6,000 people attended the event on Thursday, November 13 which saw a musical feast and the annual lights switch-on.

Performances were given by a number of local bands and pop star Andy-Scott Lee, as well as Peter Andre.

Andy-Scott Lee performed a cover of Clean Bandit's ‘Rather Be’ and chose to finish with a festive tune of Silent Night.

He said: “It was a very good crowd, I’ve performed several times here and it’s always what I expect it to be. It’s got me into the Christmas spirit. It’s a great place to perform because it brings all ages, there are kids, parents and even grandparents and I love it. It’s one of my favourite gigs.”

One Direction tribute band ‘Only 1D’ performed several hits such as ‘Live While We’re Young’, ‘Kiss You’, ‘Midnight Memories’ and ‘Steal My Girl’. They have been performing together for two-and-a-half years and mimic choreography made famous by One Direction as well as dressing as their chosen boy-band member.

Matt Brinkler, who impersonates Niall Horan, said: “It’s our first time performing in Yate. It was really good fun and the crowd were amazing, especially considering how cold it is and some people have been here for a good few hours.”

At 6.30pm Peter Andre arrived to cheers from crowds of fans and entertained them with a cover of Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’, his infamous hit ‘Mysterious Girl’ and a more festive choice of ‘Let It Snow’.

The pop sensation performed at the Yate’s lights switch-on five years ago and did not fail to dazzle the crowd again with two male dancers in tow.

At 7pm he was joined on stage by shopping centre manager Andrew Lowrey to begin the countdown and turn on the lights.

Mr Lowrey thanked everyone for their support and noted it was “probably the biggest crowd we’ve ever had for a Christmas lights switch-on.”

He said: “A big thanks to Phoenix Security Group, the cleaning staff and security staff for their help tonight and all through the year for keeping the shopping centre a clean, friendly and safe place.”

Music continued on the stage, that was decorated with reindeer props, Christmas trees and tinsel, after the lights switch-on and the crowd celebrated the start of Christmas with food, drink and a supply of glowsticks.

Marianne Harras, from Yate, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. I really enjoyed all the performances, and it seemed a lot bigger than last year so there was so much more to do and see.”

Katie Hillard, from Downend, said: “Tonight was amazing. I love Peter Andre and it was just an incredible night. I’ll definitely come back again.”

James Hicks, from Yate, said: “It was a good laugh and I had a good time. I’m a Peter Andre lookalike so I came to see Peter mainly and am hoping to get a photo with him later. A brilliant night.”

Shopping centre marketing manager Tracey King said: “It’s been a fantastic event. We were very happy with the turnout, around 6,000 people, which at some point was probably more around 8,000 people. It’s just been a great night.”