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Lights brought a festive feel to the lane after they were formally switched on by Manchester’s Lord Mayor when he set Simpson Memorial Hall aglow with a decorated Christmas tree.

The illuminations delighted audiences at the successful pantomime staged at the memorial hall and shoppers and traders were impressed by the efforts to brighten up the parade.

Cash from North Manchester Regeneration paid for the lights and staff and students from Manchester College of Art and Technology (MANCAT) install them and encouraged traders to decorate their own premises.

Businesses, churches, schools and community groups joined in the switch-on celebration to help the festive season off to a glittering start and hundreds of people of all denominations took part in a carol concert at St Dunstan’s RC church.

Cllr Bill Risby

He said: "The lights were very well received by everyone and I’m delighted to say there was no vandalism in spite of what some people had predicted and we’re hoping it will be even better next year.

"I was so proud to attend the carol concert at St Dunstan’s and see the church packed to the back doors. It gives me great hope for the future to see so many good people prepared to do something positive as a community."