Snooker star Kyren to turn on Kettering's Christmas lights

Kyren is currently ranked ninth in the world after a superb year including back-to-back tournament wins last month, a World Championship semi-final and a run to the final of the Masters.

Known as ‘The Warrior’, Kyren grew up attending Christmas light switch-ons in Kettering.

Now he will be the one pressing the switch at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 29.

A Kettering Council spokesman said they asked the cueist if he would switch the lights on several weeks ago and that they are honoured that he has agreed.

The spokesman said: “We’re keen to promote local success stories who can act as an inspiration to young people living locally and Kyren will do exactly that.

“Having spoken to Kyren, who grew up attending Kettering’s Christmas light switch on events, it has been evident that illuminating his home town would mean a lot to him.

“He’s also made it clear that he would not be interested in receiving any payment for his involvement and suggested the council make a donation to a local charity, something we’d be delighted to do.”

Kyren went to Montagu School and is a member of the Argyll Club.

At the age of just 26, he has already made more than £1m in prize money.

A fun poll by the Northants Telegraph saw local legend Malcolm The Fish Man come out on top with our readers.

And the council spokesman added that they are in discussions with him to be involved.

They said: “An announcement would not be complete without a mention of Malcolm The Fish Man.

“It could not escape the council’s attention that Malcolm was a popular choice amongst readers of the Northants Telegraph’s fun Christmas poll.

“There were numerous calls for Malcolm to be involved in the evening’s festivities.

“We can confirm that we are in discussions with Malcolm for him to be involved in the evening’s activities in a meaningful way.”

The evening’s activities will take place from 5pm to 8pm on November 29 in Kettering’s Market Place.

There will be a full programme of festive events and entertainment including a Christmas Market and much more.

The full programme will be announced later this month.

The council spokesman added: “We’re delighted to see the interest and support so many people have already shown for the town centre events this Christmas and hope to be able to provide further details about our exciting line-up of Christmas activities soon.”