By James Broadhurst

Last updated at 17:08, Monday, 19 November 2012

Screaming fans helped X Factor stars MK1 bring the curtain down on Workington’s Winter Wonderland festival.

MK1 on stage

London duo Charlotte Rundle, 19, and Sim Dixon, 24, were mentored by Louis Walsh to the live finals of the hit TV show but didn’t make the cut.

But they obviously brushed themselves down from the disappointment, as they proved while wowing crowds who braved the cold on the Live Stage on Udale Car Park, on Pow Street.

Sim said: “It was really cold but once we got going the crowd were amazing. Workington has been one of our best performances.

“We have been touring and have had gigs every night.”

Yesterday’s performance was the perfect end to the festival, which started with the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights by another former X Factor favourite, Marcus Collins, on Friday.

Gareth Oliver, who starred on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, warmed up the crowd for MK1 with his ventriloquist act.

Chantel Ivision, 37, of Inner Ling Road, Seaton, who was at the event with her daughter Ellie, 10, said: “I am looking forward to MK1. They are different aren’t they?

“I couldn’t believe they were booted out of X Factor to be honest.”

Sandra Lumsden, 69, of Ling Beck Cresent, Seaton, said: “I came down to do some Christmas shopping and I thought I would pop along and I have been impressed.”

Debra Morris-Gibbs, 43, of Hall Garth, Great Clifton, who was there to see MK1 with her children Imogen-Lace, 14, and Bronywn-Tyler, nine, said: “My children have been watching the X Factor so they were very excited.”

Bronywn-Tyler added: “I just like their style. I was sad when they went out of the X Factor.”

The festival was organised by Allerdale Council in conjunction with CN Events.

Marie Whitehead, CN Events director, said: “It was a fabulous end to a fabulous weekend in Workington.”

First published at 17:07, Monday, 19 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk