YOU could join one of this year’s X Factor stars on stage as they switch on Warrington’s Christmas lights on November 18.

The Warrington Guardian is giving one lucky reader the chance to push the button alongside the likes of Wagner, One Direction or even Cher Lloyd in front of more than 2,000 people at this year’s switching-on ceremony.

The annual event at the Old Market Place will be ticketed for the first time this year.

Two thousand free tickets are up for grabs at the Golden Square customer service desk, near Starbucks, from Saturday on a first come, first served basis.

Ian Cox, marketing manager, said: “This year we wanted to give more families the chance to enjoy the fantastic Christmas light switch-on as last year was so incredibly busy.”

A small number of people arriving early without a ticket will be allowed in but from 5pm access to the Old Market Place will be ticket only.

The event will also be shown on a big screen in Bridge Street.

To win the chance to switch the lights on next to an X Factor hopeful who is booted off the show this Sunday, answer this question: Which contestant won the X Factor last year? E-mail your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to hannah.bargery@guardiangrp.co.uk.

The closing date is November 10. Usual Newsquest rules apply.