Thousands turn out for Huddersfield Christmas lights switch-on Pictures and video

Nov 20 2009 By Dave Himelfield

Thousands turn out for Christmas lights switch-on

Patrick, the star of Star Trek and X-Men, spoke of his local roots and how he was proud of the town and its university.

Mr Stewart said: “I have many reasons to love Huddersfield.

“You understand on the Starship Enterprise we didn’t have any plungers – it was all voice activated!

“This is fantastic for me. This is one of the grandest experiences ever. Last month I celebrated 50 years as a professional and in those 50 years I’ve done lots of things.

“I’ve fought single-handed combat with unnumbered aliens. I can read the minds of mutants all over the world.

“I’ve performed in Carnegie Hall, Windsor Castle and the Hollywood Bowl, but I have never before turned on any Christmas lights anywhere, except now in Huddersfield.

“This town does mean a great deal to me. It was in Huddersfield where I saw my very first live theatrical performance. The warmest memories of Huddersfield are mine.

“I’m chancellor of the university and I have been for the past six years and I’ve just signed on for another five years as chancellor.

“I’ve spent the whole week on campus attending degree ceremonies.

“I have to tell you this university is as well-equipped and as well-staffed as perhaps any university in the country.

“Here in Huddersfield you have an educational institution that is already ranking as high as some of the oldest and most famous and well-established universities in the country.”