X Factor stars to switch on Alexandria Christmas lights

Nov 21 2008 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

X- FACTOR stars Journey South will be the star act when Alexandria turns on its Christmas lights on Saturday.

And show hopefuls, Scottish girl band High Voltage, will be on stage at Dumbarton the following week for the big switch-on on November 29.

Both events will begin at midday in the towns’ main streets with a host of family entertainment including music, competitions and festive fun. There will be funfairs, food stalls, face painting, choirs, cheerleaders, singers, dancers and an appearance from Santa Claus before the big Christmas lights countdown at 4.30pm.

Journey South, brothers Carl, 28, and Andy Pemberton, 32, achieved third place on the TV talent show in 2005. They will follow up their slot in the town centre with a concert at the Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton, at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale at the Vale of Leven Pool, Meadow Centre, Dumbarton and the Playdrome, Clydebank.

The boys said: “We are extremely pleased and excited to be turning on the Christmas lights in Alexandria followed by a live show in Dumbarton. We will be performing the new album.”

High Voltage, fresh from their X-Factor experience, will be headlining in Dumbarton with a host of local talent.

Libby from the band said: “We have been rehearsing like mad for this and we are so excited. This is our favourite time of the year and we are so grateful to have been invited to do this performance. It means a lot to us and we just can’t wait.”

West Dunbartonshire Council is launching a limerick competition to tie in with the switch-on of the lights with three sets of tickets for Journey South’s gig at the Denny Civic up for grabs.

Send entries to public.relations@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or call 01389 737297.