X Factor winner Ben Haenow topped the bill as Carlisle's Christmas Lights were switched on.
Organisers estimated about 10,000 people packed the heart of the city for an afternoon of entertainment, also including Britain's Got Talent runner-up Wayne Woodward.
Haenow performed his Christmas number one hit Something I Need after the lights illuminated, putting the sparkle into the city centre.
Cumbrian acts and "stars of the future" also performed during a freezing cold afternoon at the heart of the city's pedestrianised zone.
Haenow described the crowd as "lovely" after they cheered him on and offstage and sang along with his hits.
The audience also took part in the city's version of the mannequin challenge - the craze sweeping social media.
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