Westlife made a return to the limelight with a bang yesterday evening, when they made a surprise appearance at the Grafton Street "Lights up for Christmas" ceremony. Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne arrived outside of Brown Thomas to officially turn on this year's lights.

The pop band were joined by master of ceremonies, TV3 weatherman Martin King, who guaranteed snowfall at this year's event.

The event marked a significant milestone for band member Nicky Byrne who buried his late father, Nikki Sr (60), just a week and a half ago. The star, who is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of former Taoiseach Bertie, hopes to ease himself back into work slowly following the devastating loss of his Dad, whom he has described as his best friend.

Nicky's friend and fellow Westlife star, Mark Feehily explained how the singer was determined not to let the rest of the group, or indeed his fans, down and is ready to throw himself into his work.

"He's coping very well and is as good as you can be so soon after your best friend in the world passes away," the Sligo native explained. "He would say it's what his dad would have wanted."

Yesterday also marked the official launch of Westlife's new perfume line, Westlife X, which is named to symbolise the band's 10 years spent in the pop industry.

The group will tonight join a number of top acts including Taio Cruz, the Saturdays, JLS and Alexandra Burke on stage in The O2, Dublin for the Cheerio's Childline Concert, which is to be hosted by former Six star, Liam McKenna.