A NEVER-been-seen before line-up of Manchester musicians are officially pushing the button on the festive period on November 2 at intu Trafford Centre.

The shopping centre is launching a collaboration between legendary ex-Hacienda DJ and writer Dave Haslam and experimental orchestra Manchester Camerata for its traditional Christmas lights switch-on event.

Working with Manchester Camerata, who opened Glastonbury Festival this year, Haslam has chosen a number of dancefloor favourites from his years behind the decks for the Christmas show.

Manchester gospel and house singer Rachel McFarlane will be performing her Loveland hit from 1994 'Let the Music Lift You Up' which won the Best Dance Record of the Year award (Silver Clef).

Rachel went on to record Loveland’s album which spawned 5 UK top 40 hits, plus four dance number ones, many of which are regarded as club anthems.

Alison Niven, regional centre director at intu Trafford Centre, said: “We’ve never hosted an event quite like this one – it’ll be amazing to listen to so much homegrown talent in the main dome.

"It will be, quite literally, music to the ears of our shoppers – well-known, upbeat songs with a classical twist and a real sense of Christmas magic. This unique combination of artists is a real first for intu Trafford Centre – it’s set to be an unmissable performance and one that puts everyone in the mood for the festive period.”

Haslam said: "It's a pleasure to be collaborating with Manchester Camerata, and especially so given the selection of tunes we'll be doing. One of my favourite ever songs will be included, 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Massive Attack, which will sound amazing with the orchestra. Among the other choices, we have a brilliant version of Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ to unleash as well."

James Thomas, head of artistic development and programming for Manchester Camerata, said: “Manchester Camerata are delighted to be the first orchestra to take part in the famous intu Trafford Centre Christmas Light Switch On.

"It has been a hugely successful year for us with many firsts including several award wins and opening the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. intu Trafford Centre welcomes millions of visitors every year and the Christmas Light Switch On is an excellent opportunity for us to bring our blend of classical music to people who might not consider coming to a traditional classical concert.”

The Classical Christmas Lights Night starts at 7.30pm in the Main Dome, intu Trafford Centre on Thursday 2 November. Tickets are not required.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of over £1million worth of Christmas lights, the event will signal the start of the shopping centre’s busiest eight weeks of the year. The event launches two months of festive events, including the opening of the intu Christmas wheel, the augmented-reality grotto and a Christmas parade.