A FESTIVE day with a variety of entertainment will mark the start of Christmas in Radcliffe town centre.

The fun day starts at 12.45pm on Saturday when Radcliffe Brass Band perform in the band stand on the piazza.

They will be followed with performances by singer Katie McAtee, who won this year’s Powersound competition, and pupils from St Mary’s RC Primary School and Radcliffe Riverside High School.

Father Christmas will arrive on his sleigh at 2pm, when children will be able to complete a wish-list and receive an early gift.

Also visiting the piazza will be town crier Bob Grundy, Pudsey Bear, and pantomime characters. The afternoon will be hosted by DJ Party Pete and includes games, prizes, children’s rides, a tombola, and treasure hunt.

Coronation Street star Ben Thompson, who plays Ryan Connor, will be on the piazza from 3pm. He will switch on the Christmas lights at 3.45pm with the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Peter Ashworth.

The festive fun will continue into the evening with a Christmas party and performance by Dance Studio One at Radcliffe Civic Suite, starting at 6pm. Entry costs £4 and is free for children under two years old.

All proceeds raised at both events will be donated to the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.

The day of activities has been organised by Bury Council, Radcliffe Traders Association and Radcliffe Civic Suite to mark the beginning of the festive season.

They have spent £11,000 on new Christmas decorations to brighten up the town.