Preston is getting ready to party as the Christmas lights are switched on this evening.

As the city comes to light with more than 1.5 miles of LEDs, a sparkling line-up of 90s and 00s pop stars headline the event, which kicks off on the Flag Market at 5.30pm.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the city centre to join the biggest free event of the festive calendar.

Here is everything you need to know, if you are going along.

Who is perfoming? 

Headlining this year are Boyz On Block. The supergroup, made up of leading members of some of the biggest boybands of the 90s and 00s, will perform hits from the era. The band is made up of Dane Bowers (Another Level), Shane Lynch (Boyzone), Abz Love (Five) and Ben Ofoedu (Phats & Small), and with 15 number ones between them, these boys are guaranteed to get the party started.

Also on stage is Preston band Skaface. The 10 piece ska and 2Tone band, founded by signed singer songwriter Harvey Brittain, will play an upbeat set to have you skanking in the streets.

There will be a vocal performance from Chloe Rose. Chloe is a singer, Tic Tok star and influencer with an online following of 5m.

For the younger members of the family, PJ Masks superheroes Catoy, Owlette and Gekko will take to the stage for a live performance.

Completing the line up, with a music career spanning more than 40 years, American Soul and RnB sensation Alexander O’Neal will be performing live at the event.

O’Neal, signed by Prince to Warner Records, has released 18 albums and sold tens of millions of records across the world, spending more than 100 weeks in the UK charts.

His back catalogue from the golden age of 80’s soul includes hits such as ‘Criticize’, ‘Fake’, ‘If You Were Here Tonight’, ‘Saturday Love’, ‘Never Knew Love Like This’, ‘Secret Lovers’ and many more.

Alex’s performance will include some of the legendary hits from his Platinum-selling albums that shot him to fame on both sides of the Atlantic.

Read more: The Christmas countdown is on as the Tipping family prepare their annual festive display

Where can you park?

Parking is available on the Bus Station.

The Park and Ride at Walton-le-Dale will also run until 9pm to allow people to enjoy the celebrations.

What’s the weather looking like?

Temperatures are expected to be about 8 – 9 degrees with light showers. You might want to pack your woolies and waterproofs.

Read more; Ben’s legacy to live on in Avenham Cheeky Santa Dash

Who’s behind the event?

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

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 the Preston”.

Will you be going to the Christmas Lights Switch On? Let us know in the comments section.