TONIGHT will see the countdown to Christmas begin as The Rock switch on their Christmas lights with The X Factor and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star Jake Quickenden.

From 4pm today, the shopping centre will be transformed into the enchanted land of Narnia, with a snow machine, a stilt walking Mr Tumnus, the White Witch, face painting and props including Aslan the lion, a throne and wardrobe.

And Santa himself will even be making an appearance!

Tower FM’s Glen Hunt will host the fun-filled festivities on a stage with a giant digital screen backdrop from 4pm until 7.30pm.

The show will be jam-packed with entertainment for the whole family, with local acts including Bury-based Active Dance and the Carol Godby theatre school as well as a range of musical artists.

Bury FC players will also be doing a meet and greet. Topping off the show will be headliner Jake Quickenden before one family are chosen to win a trip to Lapland and the lights are switched on.

A whole host of great prizes are up for grabs throughout the evening leading up to the grand prize draw to win a trip to Lapland.

The Rock is asking customers who attend the event to take a photo with any of the Narnia props or characters and upload to Facebook or Twitter using #TakeMeToNarnia for the chance to win.

Photos will then be selected at random with live draws every 20 minutes on the giant digital screen, with the final draw of the night at 7.25pm to win the trip to Lapland.

Prizes include vouchers to spend at Frankie & Benny’s, River Island and Topshop, jewellery from Peter Jackson, Pandora and B-Jewels, a hair treatment at Toni & Guy, a bowling experience at AMF and free 6 month membership at Fit for Free.

You have to be in it to win it so hopeful entrants must head down to The Rock on Thursday, November 12, from 4pm for the chance to win.

For more information visit www.therockbury.com/narnia

With free parking from 6pm and many of the shops open until late tonight, you could also pick up some Christmas presents and grab a bite to eat after the show. With restaurants including Nando’s, Pizza Express, The Chinese Buffet, Burger King and Frankie & Benny’s you are sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds.

The Christmas food fair is also back at The Rock this week until early January with the German sausage swing grill, Christmas roasts stall, The Little Chocolatier and the Donut & Creperie Cottage plus a children’s ride.

There is lots to look forward to at The Rock this Christmas including a new and improved Santa’s grotto which is free to visit, a giant advent calendar of offers, and the return of The Rock Express land train launching on December 5 which will give passengers free rides between St John’s Square and Peel Monument.

There will be late night shopping until 9pm every Thursday in December as well as festive street entertainment and brass band performances getting shoppers in the Christmas spirit every Saturday from November 28. So there’s every excuse to join in the festivities at The Rock this Christmas.