It was the night Birmingham dazzled into Christmas. The weather may have been grey and gloomy but a series of attractions lifted the spirits of thousands as the city centre yesterday got into the swing of seasonal festivities. The highlight was the switching on of the city centre's Christmas lights, with children's favourite Noddy the star, but there was also music, canalside revelry and a party atmosphere at Millennium Point to begin the countdown to December 25. Councillor John Alden, the city council's cabinet for member for leisure, sport and culture, had promised it would be Birmingham's "best ever" Christmas lights switch on celebrations. The day-long party included the return of an old favourite, the Pantomime Horse Grand National, with horseplay and silly antics along Edgbaston Street near the Bullring, while youngsters were able to enjoy the unique experience of seeing a herd of Cairngorm reindeers, brought all the way from Aviemore in Scotland, in the High Street. A new attraction was the first-ever canal boat light parade, with canal boats lit by festoons of light and Christmas decorations gliding along the canals from the NIA to the Mailbox, and live music along the adjoining towpaths. Millennium Point was the setting for the Party at the Point, a free concert featuring live music on the BRMB stage and family entertainment including a funfair. And then the Point hosted the big switch on with Noddy joining the city's Lord Mayor Coun Mike Nangle for a dramatic lighting show which included the illumination of a 24 foot-high fire sculpture representing an Angel, an array of special effects. Synchronised images of the lights were beamed onto giant screens at Millennium Point. "Everyone was welcome and we expect to have attracted Christmas shoppers from miles around to the regional capital on this very special day," said Coun Alden. n Other activities in the city's Christmas programme include the Birmingham Cad-bury Christmas Grotto (opening on 21 November); the Frankfurt Christmas Market (until 22 December), Aston Hall by Candlelight (3-12 December), plus weekly Farmers ' Markets in December. More public information is available by calling 0121 767 4141 or visiting www.birmingham.gov.uk/christmas. Noddy is appearing in Noddy Live! at The NIA Academy, Birmingham. Jingle Jogs all the way The first in a series of Jingle Jogs took place across the Midlands yesterday as part of a campaign to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Among those taking part in a one-lap run at the Dunstall Park racecourse in Wolverhampton was seven year-old Alexander Posiwnycz(left). Jingle Jogs are also taking place at Cannon Hill Park on November 28 and Stratford Racecourse on December 5. | 
