HUNDREDS of people packed Hanley to see Phil 'The Power' Taylor turn on Stoke-on-Trent's 2008 Christmas lights.

The 13-time world champion was joined by entertainer Jonathan Wilkes, Stoke's Top Talent winner Daniel Hewitt and a cast of hundreds to make last night's event go with a bang.

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A pyrotechnic display ignited in Fountain Square as The Power threw the dart that lit up the city centre.

Phil said he was humbled to be asked to perform the duty and quipped: "I did it in Burslem a long time ago but there were only three bulbs – and one of them had gone."

It was a night to remember for 37-year-old Craig Kennedy, from Bucknall, who got the star's autograph and said: "I think he's brilliant."

As Phil chatted onstage with Radio Stoke presenter, and MC, Tim Wedgwood, hundreds of people lined the route of a parade as it made its way from Piccadilly.

Shop workers stood in doorways to look on as the parade, led by the samba sound of several drummers, danced past with 60 children dressed in special costumes.

They were followed by dance groups and local school children, while also to be seen were Stoke City's Pottermus, Port Vale's Boomer and other mascots from the fire service and local businesses.

Back in Fountain Square, 'snow' was falling thanks to a special machine on a raised platform close to the Christmas tree. Earlier in the evening, entertainer Jonathan Wilkes had chatted with the audience before introducing singer Daniel Hewitt – his co-star in panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this winter.

Jonny said: "It has been fantastic. It is nice to come down and see all the locals and their smiling faces and bring in Christmas."

Stoke's Top Talent winner Dan performed songs including Fever and Stevie Wonder's Superstition before his home crowd and was thrilled to get the chance to do so.

He said: "I am overwhelmed to come along. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Ian Davis, aged 43, had travelled from Baddeley Green to enjoy the event with twin daughters Paige and Jessica, aged 12.

He said: "I think the show has been very good. I've never seen Daniel before and I thought he was really good."

Jessica added: "I think he definitely deserved to win."

As performers, including Leek band Funk Station Zebra, entertained crowds in front of a huge screen, there was plenty to do offstage.

As well as the chance to shop late, there were food stalls, an ice sculpture and entertainers.

Mary Stevenson, aged 48, from Shelton, was with 13-year-old daughter Emma and grandson Anthony, aged seven.

She said: "I think it is brilliant and I liked the music."

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Video: Hanley's Christmas lights switch-on 2008

Lord Mayor Councillor Derek Capey invited the young winners of the city council's Design A Christmas Card competition on to the stage to collect their framed certificates.

Four winners will see their designs go on to the city council's official Christmas cards – much to the delight of proud parents, including 37-year-old Saleem Hussain, who saw four-year-old son Moyeed collect his prize.

Mr Hussain, from Lightwood, said: "I am very proud of him."

The event had begun at 3.30pm with performances from Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir and Rootz Youth Folk Band from the City Music and Performing Arts Service.

Staffordshire Police projected the force's message – reassuring the crowds that the police were on patrol – above the doorway of Clinton Cards, Hanley.

The equipment was bought from a company which used it for TV shows including How To Look Good Naked.

And it was combined with new Bluetooth technology which enabled people walking in the area to be sent screensavers, computer 'wallpaper' and information about policing. Elizabeth Clowes, aged 38, from Meir, had gone along with daughter Rachel Brooks to introduce 13-month-old grandson Tyler to Father Christmas for the first time.

Rachel, aged 20, said: "It has been fantastic and there's a really good atmosphere."

Sharon Howard, from Bentilee, was with 22-year-old partner Chris Makery and children Nemo, aged four, Christopher, aged three, Dylan, aged two, and one-year-old Sasha-Lea.

The 28-year-old said: "I came to see Phil Taylor. I think the snow machine was great."