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Steve Bruce switches on Sunderland's Christmas lights + SLIDESHOW
Sunderland's big Christmas switch-on went off with a bang as spectacular fireworks lit up the city's skyline.
Sunderland AFC manager Steve Bruce flicked the switch to launch the countdown to the festive season and said: "It's a great honour to be here tonight. I've really enjoyed myself.
"It's good to see the crowds and all the kids because, let's face it, Christmas is really about children."
Record numbers attended the switch-on at the civic centre last night.
Pupils from Castletown Primary School and St Anthony's Girls School sang carols.
X Factor finalist Charlie Mole wowed the crowds with a cover of Pixie Lott's Mamma Do and Jingle Bells, before Santa Claus arrived.
Sunderland Mayor Coun Dennis Richardson added: "It's been a fantastic night.
"The fireworks were unbelievable and with a crowd and an atmosphere like this, you just can't beat it."
Sunderland's Chsr1tmas Festival continues tonight with the official opening of an outdoor ice rink in Mowbray Park.
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
