CROWDS packed into Darlington town centre last night for the launch of the festive celebrations.
Pop Idols hopeful Zoe Birkett got to throw the switch to light up her home town for Christmas.
The 16-year-old was chosen to perform the ceremony after becoming one of the first two singers to win through to the final of the popular TV show.
Among the celebrities watching from the sidelines was Nikki Sanderson, who plays Coronation Street's Candice.
TFM's breakfast crew ran the Orange Darlington Christmas Spectacular, along with presenters from Magic 1170, and chart stars Soraya and Kelly Llorrenna, from N Trance
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