By Julie Morgan

Last updated 13:09, Tuesday, 18 November 2008

GLAM-ROCK legend Roy Wood has lit up the streets of Whitehaven at the town's big Christmas lights switch-on. Wizzard star Wood, famous for the 1973 festive classic I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, did the honours in front of a packed Lowther Street crowd on Sunday.

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"I hope everyone else's kettles don't go off when I flick this switch," he told the audience, before being joined in the countdown by the eager onlookers.

It was an all too brief appearance from Wood however - he was on stage for less than 30 seconds - before he and his band set off for the Civic Hall to treat a sell-out audience to some of his biggest hits, with support coming fro Guy Lancaster.  But there was plenty to keep the crowd entertained in the build-up to Wood's cameo.

Lowther Street and King Street were full of stalls and attractions, with many shops opening especially for the occasion. On the busy CFM stage, DJs Andy Wood and Pete Moss hosted an afternoon of fun, games and competitions, while dance troupes including Cheer Stars, Stage Stars and Pop Steps performed to a host of festive favourites.  And two of Whitehaven's finest musicians, Steph Wars and Andy Winters, treated the crowd to an acoustic set, taken from the charity CD Now That's What I Call Whitehaven.

Rugby stars from Whitehaven were also out and about, auctioning off a Haven shirt, signed by rock band Status Quo when they played at The Recre in August. It raised £60 for charity.