BOLTON’S big Christmas light switch takes place tomorrow.

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall will switch on the festive lights at 7pm. But the countdown starts at 5pm, with dancing, music, special appearances from Snow White and her Seven Dwarfs, and a magical lantern parade.

Acts will include the cast of the Albert Halls musical The Last Five Years will perform as will local boy band Conixi. Little Fix, a Little Mix tribute act, will round off the show with a selection of the group’s biggest hits.

There will also be performances by Bolton Lads and Girls Club, solo artist Krisshan Jade, Feel Good Inc and soloist Emilia.

From 6.15pm, a parade featuring street performers, snowmen, Father Christmas, will leave Churchgate and the Bolton Light Festival Lantern Parade, featuring dozens of imaginative creations crafted by community groups, will leave the Market Place Shopping Centre at 6.20pm.

The event will end with a spectacular firework display from the roof of the town hall.

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Linda Thomas, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the highlights of the year and a spectacular way to start the festive season.

“The night will be an absolute must for Coronation Street fans and the line-up of music and live performances will make this year’s event the best yet.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming big crowds to the town centre to witness a show that I’m sure will put us all in the Christmas spirit.”

The evening, sponsored by the Market Place Shopping Centre, which will also be providing festive entertainment throughout the day. From 3pm a host of Christmas characters will be in the centre including giant Christmas puddings, stilt walkers and Jack Frost. There will be performances on the Market Place Stage

Market Place Centre Manager, Nikki Wilson-Cook,said: “The Bolton Christmas Lights switch-on is an event that truly captures the essence of the season, with lots of family fun, great entertainment and the amazing light parade, and we are, as always, thrilled to be a part of it.

“With music on the Market Place Stage throughout the day in addition to the town centre activity, it also signals the start of our late-night shopping and the big countdown to Christmas Day.”

There will be free parking after 3pm in the town centre NCP multi-storey car parks on the night.

Free weekday parking after 3pm will continue until January 3, in addition to free all day parking at weekends and bank holidays all year round.

Christmas Lights Switch On Programme

Victoria Square stage, which this year is on the far end of the square

5pm – Tower FM intro

5.05pm – Bolton Lads and Girls Club

5.10pm – The Last Five Years

5.15pm – Theatre Dance Group

5.25pm – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

5.30pm – Krisshan Jade

5.45pm – Feel Good Inc

5.55pm – Emilia

6.10pm – Conixi

6.20pm – Rock Choir

6.35pm – Little Fix (Little Mix tribute act)

6.55pm – Countdown to switch on with Alan Halsall

Market Place stage:

4pm – Danny Scott

4.30pm – The little Elves (Halliwell Community Group)

4.45pm – Kayleigh Taylor

5.30pm – Krisshan Jade

7pm – Emilia

7.30pm - 8pm – Little Fix (Little Mix tribute act)