Kammy ready for big switch-on

It's unbelievable - but true.
Chris Kamara said he is "chuffed" at being asked to switch on Wakefield's Christmas lights.Chris Kamara said he is "chuffed" at being asked to switch on Wakefield's Christmas lights.
Chris Kamara said he is "chuffed" at being asked to switch on Wakefield's Christmas lights.

Football pundit Chris Kamara will turn on Wakefield’s Christmas lights.

The Sky Sports regular, known for his hilarious gaffes on live TV, will be at the special event which takes place on the Bull Ring on Friday, November 18.

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Chris, a former Leeds United and Sheffield player, says he jumped at the chance when the invite came through.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to it and over the moon that I’ve been asked.

“When the invitation came in my agent asked If wanted to do it - I told him ‘of course I want to do it’.

“I was really chuffed to be asked and thought it would be one off my bucket list. I can’t wait, I’ve heard there’ll be a lot going on.

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“All the work I do is enjoyable and 90 per cent of it is me enjoying myself so it will be great fun- there’s no downside to being me.”

Chris, known as ‘Kammy’ has lived in the city since his move to Leeds United in 1990.

After joining Sky Sports, he soon became a firm favourite for his excitable live match reports in which he often starts with his trademark ‘Unbelievable Jeff’, while speaking with presenter Jeff Stelling.

The switch on is part of a three-day celebration in the city centre beginning on Thursday.

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Festivities start at 4.15pm with stage entertainment including a performance from characters from Theatre Royal Wakefield’s pantomime.

On the Friday, a Christmas market will be opened alongside Wakefield’s new outdoor market from 10am, while a radio show hosted by Ridings FM will start at 4pm with live music.

The celebrations conclude on Saturday between noon and 3pm, when Castleford-born X-Factor singer Jack Walton will perform before switching on the lights at The Ridings shopping centre.

There will also be performances from Wakefield Community Gospel Choir, and players from Wakefield Wildcats will reveal their new home shirt for 2016/17.

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Coun Les Shaw, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “We’re really pleased that Chris Kamara is coming to help turn the lights on in Wakefield. I hope that lots of people will come into the city centre, enjoy the festivities and see our celebrity guest.”