X Factor finalists 5 After Midnight say they would be keen to return to Carlisle on their next tour.

The trio were in the city to headline the Christmas Lights Switch On, which has been hailed one of the biggest yet.

An estimated crowd of between 8,000 and 10,000 people descended on Carlisle over the course of yesterday afternoon.

Boyband 5 After Midnight topped the bill, with other acts including Taken, the Beatbox Collective, Thomas Teago, Nathan Grisdale, Jack Rose, Stevie D's Faith and Angel Gold.

Many teenage fans waited in the cold - some for more than six hours - to get a glimpse of their idols.

Speaking to the News & Star after the show, 5AM's Kieran Alleyne, Nathan Lewis and Jordan Lee said it was their first time performing in Carlisle, but they were keen to come back on tour.

Nathan said: "That was wicked. The crowd were fantastic."

Kieran said that after coming third in last year's X-Factor finals, they have been working hard to tour as many places as possible - and they still can't believe the reception they get from fans.

"The reception has been incredible. We just love the feeling. We are really grateful, hearing people singing along to our songs."

Their set list included covers of Beyonce's Crazy in Love, the Spice Girls' Say You'll Be There, a Motown medley and new track Flowers, released next month.

Among those there to see them were sisters Sam and Dana Davidson, from Botcherby, Carlisle.

Sam, who had made her sister wait with her at the front, said: "I really like 5 After Midnight but it's all been really good."

Diana Foy, from New Harraby, was at the switch-on with daughters Courtney, 14, and eight-year-old Naomi.

Counrtney said: "It's brilliant. 5 After Midnight are my favourite band. We've been waiting for three hours."

Irish trio Taken were without third member Ste Barron, who had to pull out due to tonsillitis, but band mates Eoghan McMahon and Richie Power carried on as a two piece, performing Christmas songs, their own tracks and some covers.

Eoghan said they have been touring all year, with the Vamps and Union J, but this was their first time in Carlisle. "We've loved it. We always get a great reception in the north of England," he added.

Following an afternoon of entertainment, the lights were switched on at 5pm, with Carlisle mayor Trish Vasey leading the countdown.

She said: "It's a lovely event. Everyone turns out for it and it's become a real tradition for the city. It's been a fabulous turnout as always and I want to thank the people of Carlisle for supporting it."