THOUSANDS of fans waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the Bars and Melody at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on in Thornbury yesterday (November 18).

The crowd was so enthusiastic that they had to be warned to stop piling towards the front.

Despite not performing at the event on Tuesday, November 18 screaming crowds managed to capture a glimpse of their idols and collect their autographs.

The popular duo were welcomed on to the stage by Thornbury mayor Guy Rawlinson, where with the help of Oscar Isted, who won the competition, they switched on the lights for the first time this year.

Thornbury mayor Guy Rawlinson said: "It was quite an event. There were quite a few fans there - not for me I hasten to add!

"I was told that some of them at the front of the crowd had been waiting since around 3pm.

"The evening went very well, the weather was perfect and there were so many people there to enjoy the night.

"I think it went as well as you could hope for, there was a great crowd who were really excited to see Bars and Melody on stage.

"The boys were really pleasant too. After they had finished the switch-on they stayed at the barriers for about half and hour signing autographs and cards for everyone.

He added: "It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to Thornbury and walking around the town it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves."