The Christmas Lights Switch On is set to return to the Flag Market on Saturday, November 20.

The event will start at 5.30pm and last until 7.45pm.

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The event, organised by Preston BID in partnership with the region’s largest commercial radio station, Smooth Radio North West, will officially launch the city’s Christmas period with a huge free-to-attend concert before the lights are lit.

The voice of pop-royalty’s S Club 7, ‘Jo O’Meara’, will perform the groups biggest hits, and vocal powerhouse and soap actor ‘Lee Ryan from Blue’ will sing some of the bands platinum-selling hits.

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For the kids, ‘Gem & Cook’ from CBeebies ‘Swashbuckle’ will take to the stage, and the former lead singer of renowned American soul group ‘The Stylistics’, Eban Brown, will perform.

The winners of ‘Little Mix – The Search’, ‘Since September’, who will support the girl-group on their 2022 tour, will be playing live, and there will be a performance of the anthem, ‘Flowers’, from ‘Sweet Female Attitude.’

‘The American Four Tops’ Motown Show completes the bill, featuring the unique vocals of William Hicks, hailing from Atlanta Georgia, they have become prominent international ambassadors of Motown.

Organisers have also confirmed that ‘The Grinch’ and Santa will make a special appearance… and ‘snow’ is guaranteed.

Mark Whittle from Preston BID said: “Owing to restrictions we were unable to stage the event physically in 2020, so we’ll make sure that this year’s Switch On is something special.

“This event is always really well attended, we’re hoping that years is no exception, and as usual, thousands of local people wrap up warm to join us outdoors for a great evening.

“We’re very grateful to city centre businesses, and the event’s sponsors, for making it possible and for their continued support.

“We’d ask people to be mindful of safety and do not attend if they have any Covid related symptoms and would encourage attendees to take a lateral flow test prior to attending the event.”

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The event is funded by city centre businesses and sponsored by: St George’s Shopping Centre, NWL Chamber of Commerce, Luxury House Share, and A-Plan Insurance.

Chair of the city centre retail forum, St George’s Centre general manager Andrew Stringer, said: “The Switch On is always a highly anticipated and well-supported event.

“St George’s are proud, once again, to support the celebration and look forward to seeing families from across the city, and beyond, join us to launch the ‘most wonderful time of the year.'”

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Will you be attending the light switch on? Let us know in the comments below.