THE BOURNEMOUTH Christmas light switch-on got the festive season off to a colourful start tonight.

Thousands turned out despite gloomy weather to enjoy the Christmas market in The Square and watch the fireworks afterwards.

Harry Redknapp turned on the lights, assisted by Su Pollard and Chris Jarvis, who are both performing in the Pavilion’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty this winter.

The newly-appointed Queens Park Rangers manager told the crowds he was impressed with the Cherries before turning on the lights.

“I’ve been watching Bournemouth play and they’ve been doing fantastic,” he said, to cheers.
“The team are playing just great.”

Pollard joked with the crowd after the switch-on was slightly delayed, which she said was down to problems with the equipment.

She said: “I think there’s a slight cock-up with the plunger.”

Jarvis covered for the small wait though by singing Christmas songs to the crowd.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Chris Rochester also appeared onstage to wish Bournemouth residents a merry Christmas.

“Happy Christmas everybody, and have a great year next year,” he said.