Preston is set to be ‘lit up’ during the glittering Christmas Lights Switch On, on Saturday 23 November from 5.30pm.

The city centre lighting scheme, funded by BID and Preston City Council, will span more than 1.5 miles and feature hundreds of thousands of super-bright LED bulbs which are 70% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.

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The Flag Market will once again be packed with thousands of people as the city officially starts its countdown to Christmas.

The event, funded by city centre businesses and organised by the BID, is being staged in partnership with Smooth Radio North West – the region’s largest commercial radio station.

Featuring a packed bill of performers, the event will include something for all the family, before the switching on of the lights at around 7.45pm.

Mark Whittle from Preston BID said: “The Switch On is the city’s biggest free family show attracting thousands of people very year.

“Thanks to our partners and sponsors this year’s event is set to be even better with some great performers lining up for the show.

“Everyone’s invited; we look forward to seeing thousands of people making their way to the city centre and helping us launch Christmas in Preston.”

The show will include an exclusive performance from Boyz on Block, a band fused together with leading members of some of the biggest boy bands from the 1990s and 2000s.

With a collective fifteen number ones and having sold more than 30million records, Boyz On Block will perform some of the smash hits from their respective bands – Five, Another Level, Phats and Small, and Boyzone.

The stage show will also feature a vocal performance, from Chloe Rose.  Chloe is singer, Tik Tok star and influencer with an online following close to 5million.

Younger members of the family will have the chance to enjoy a ‘live’ stage-performance from superheroes Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, stars of the hit PJ Masks series.

Local signed singer songwriter Harvey Brittain and his band will join the line-up, which will also feature an upbeat set from Ska Face, a ten-piece ska and two-tone band from the county.

Organisers have also confirmed there’s one more surprise still to come…

Group Programme Director of Smooth Radio North West, Jamie Griffiths, said: “We are so excited to turn on Preston’s lights with an evening of festive fun.

“The Christmas lights switch-on is always a huge event in Preston, attracting thousands to the city. Thank you to the people of Preston for continuing to tune into their favourite relaxing music mix as we celebrate another year as the region’s biggest commercial radio station.”

The event is sponsored by The Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston’s College, St George’s Shopping Centre, The Walker Williams Group and Walton’s Coach Hire.

Characters from PJ Masks will also be making an appearance in The Fishergate Shopping Centre and St George’s Shopping Centre on the day of the event.

To be in with a chance of winning a VIP meet and greet with the stars of the Christmas Lights Switch On, simply complete the form below. Four places are up for grabs, and the closing date is 19 November.

If the form doesn’t load, click here.

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For more information visit the Preston BID or Shop Preston Facebook pages.