[Red Moon]

X Factor's Laura gets gig to start festivities

POP sensation Laura White will be in Cambridge to celebrate the big Christmas lights switch-on.

The talented 21-year-old songstress, who was controversially voted off The X Factor at the weekend despite massive public support, will be appearing in front of a packed-out market square in one of her first public performances.

Laura, from Atherton in Lan¬cashire, had been tipped to win the TV talent competition shortly before her shock exit from the last eight.

She is rumoured to have been approached by a record label within days of leaving the show.

She will perform on stage before helping Father Christmas press the button to illuminate the city's lights at 5pm on Sunday.

Emma Thornton, Cambridge City Council's head of tourism and city centre management, said: "This year is our most ambitious programme yet, with more enter¬tainment throughout the city than ever before."

A parade, featuring mayor Mike Dixon, choirs and marching bands, will leave The Grafton shopping centre at 4pm, arriving at the market square for the switch-on.

Attractions this year start at 12.50pm in the square, with stages also being set up in Lion Yard and The Grafton for performances from school choirs and bands, as well as local drama groups and the Cambridge Jazz Collective.

Wintery characters such as a Snow Queen and Ice Elf will also be walking around the city offering fun and games for child¬ren and adults alike.

In previous years, celebrities to switch on the lights have included singer and former Neighbours star Stephanie McIntosh, operatic boy band G4 and colourful punks The Damned.

A poll of Cambridge News Online readers chose Lewis Hamilton as their favourite to switch on the lights with 33.7 per cent of the vote, ahead of Barack Obama with 26 per cent and Stephen Hawking, 16.2 per cent.

This year's event is supported by Stagecoach, the Corn Exchange and city retailers.

A full programme of events is available from the Tourist Information Centre or by calling (01223) 457315.

Source: Cambridge News