Wolverhampton's Christmas lights switch-on goes with a bang

Thousands turned out in Wolverhampton for the annual event which also included a fireworks display, carol singing and a turn by a stilt walking duo.

The comedian was there to lead the festivities ahead of his role staring in the city's pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, next month.

Joe joined children's entertainer Mike the Knight and his sister Eve as well as the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal to push the button for the lights to come on last night.

And he declared that Midlands audiences were among his favourites because of their laughter.

The star revealed rehearsals have now got under way for the show at the Grand Theatre.

And he said: "I love coming up to Wolverhampton, I always get a good crowd up here. They give a better reaction to the humour than people in the south.

"In London they will say 'that's quite funny', but won't laugh, but up here in the Midlands people show that they are enjoying the show by laughing out loud and letting it all out which is great."

The recently signed Wolves wingers Michael Jacobs and James Henry and the group R3action were also in attendance at the event while comedy duo Phillippe- Phillippo performed juggling routines on stilts in Market Square much to the delight of the children in the huge crowd.

There were also with mini fairground rides and a vintage organ to entertain visitors.

Dinner lady Sonia Lawley, aged 53, of Bushbury Hill, Bushbury, said: "It's been fantastic. We've really enjoyed it."

Student Paige Streeter, aged 19, of East Road, Bushbury, added: "I'm loving it. The lights and fireworks were really good."