THOUSANDS of people wrapped up warm and gathered at the base of Grey’s Monument in Newcastle City Centre to start the festive countdown this evening.

Singer Joe McElderry joined the Lord Mayor, Councillor Linda Wright, and other special guests to switch-on this year’s Christmas Lights.

The audience swelled to an estimated 5,000 strong crowd, who sang along to McElderry performing tracks from the hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

He donned the famous dreamcoat and took centre stage alongside hosts Steve and Karen, Breakfast Show presenters from Metro Radio, former X Factor contestant Sam Lavery, cast members from Newcastle Panto Company’s Sleeping Beauty and South Shields singer JPage.

Cllr Wright said: “It was an honour and a privilege to stand in front of so many lovely people to help switch-on Newcastle’s Christmas Lights.

"Pressing the button meant such a big deal to me, not only as Lord Mayor of the City, but also as a grandparent with. What a marvellous experience."

Mr McElderry, said: “The people of Newcastle definitely didn’t disappoint. They came out in force and everyone had great fun.

"Newcastle has always been a city that has created some wonderful memories for me, and the Christmas Lights switch-on will be added with fondness.

“Christmas is a special time of year and we all shared a lovely moment, and I wish the people of Newcastle a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

An estimated 20,000 festive lights will illuminate parts of the city including areas of Northumberland Street, Blackett Street, Percy Street, Grey Street, Grainger Street, Nelson Street, Newgate Street, Neville Street and the Quayside.

This year, a four-metre tall teddy bear will be situated on a special plinth with the Christmas Lights and Grey’s Monument illuminating the background.