THOUSANDS of people gathered to witness pop superstar Peter Andre switch on Redditch’s Christmas lights. 

Redditch BID hailed the event as a huge success, with the presence of the celebrity singer attracting record numbers of people.

This year's event exceeded all expectations according to the organisers, with more than 9000 people filling the town centre on Saturday (November 25).

The town came alive with excitement as families, friends, and individuals of all ages came together to witness community choirs, dance performances and a special show to round off the evening from Peter Andre which included his smash hit Mysterious Girl.

Redditch Advertiser: Bumper crowds at the Redditch lights switch on eventBumper crowds at the Redditch lights switch on event (Image: Redditch BID)

A household name and beloved artist, he delighted the audience with a performance that added an extra sparkle to the evening's festivities.

BID Manager, Muj Rahman, said it was the “biggest” event held in Redditch for decades.

He said: “I was simply left speechless with the overwhelming turnout to celebrate the highly anticipated Redditch Christmas Lights Switch On event.

“This was the biggest event Redditch BID have ever organised as our efforts to promote Redditch as a key destination in Worcestershire continue. I believe it was a great step forward with this event.”

He added: “It was wonderful to see the record-breaking crowd of joyful spectators.

“The atmosphere was electric, with families, friends, and people of all ages coming together to enjoy this magical occasion”.

Redditch Advertiser: The organisers hailed the event a huge successThe organisers hailed the event a huge success (Image: Redditch BID)

Kingfisher Shopping Centre’s general manager Adrian Field added: “The feedback that we have had from businesses we have spoken to since the event has been extremely positive.

“We had a 53 per cent increase in footfall on Saturday compared to the previous week when we had Titan the Robot in the Centre, and the number of people in the Centre was 9.6 per cent up on the same Christmas Light Switch On event last year.

“The Peter Andre effect definitely drew people in and Redditch BID and partners did a great job in ensuring that there were a lot of happy members of the public and businesses.”