The cost of bringing Peter Andre to Southport to switch on the town's Christmas lights has been revealed.
The 'big switch-on' kick starts the Christmas season for many places and Southport's is believed to have cost more than any other in the Sefton borough - having been funded entirely by the town's Business Improvement District (BID).
The BID is funded by its around 950 members - local business-owners - who all pay a levy towards the scheme.
Peter Andre was the star of the show at the Southport's Christmas lights switch on last week, along with Wet Wet Wet and former Liberty X singer Kevin Simm and 80s starlet Sonia.
Throughout the day there was also fairground rides and street performances for families, including children’s entertainment company Starkidz, CBeebies presenter Sid and shows from local pantos.
The main show, hosted by TV presenter and former Heart Breakfast DJ Joanel, began at 4pm.
Southport BID says the entire event, including all operational costs, all performers and all associated marketing and promotion cost £45,000.
BID Event Manager Sarah Rodriguez said: “It was an exceptional day and night, with an estimated 8,000-9,000 people at peak watching Peter Andre and the lights go on.
"Thousands more also enjoyed a full day of entertainment and activity, with an amazing atmosphere that really made Southport shine.
"As one of the biggest and most talked about switch ons in the region now, the event continues to grow and attract people not just from the local area, but much farther afield, raising Southport’s profile and showing the town off at its best.”
The BID says it spends around £17,000 on artists and performers each year, and this year was no different.
Peter Andre received £11,000 for his 20-minute performance - and other performers were at a lower cost in order to balance his fee out.
The ECHO understands Sefton Council has no budget for Council-run Christmas activities.
The local authority has previously said "this was removed as part of the budget setting process a number of years ago due to government cuts".
Sefton MBC did, however, give some grants to established community groups in all parts of the borough to help with the purchase of their own trees and lights.
This year money (£800 each) was made available to groups in Netherton , Waterloo, Seaforth , Crossens, Birkdale, Lydiate, Ford ward, Thornton, Hightown , Bootle , Melling, Crosby and Hillside.
Formby village also received £800 from the council to put towards the clean-up after their event, which was funded by donations from local businesses and residents.
