Preston Christmas Lights Switch On: Join us tonight for famous faces, soul stars, and festive singalongs

Things are going to feel a bit different this year, but families can still enjoy the usual excitement of the city's annual Christmas lights switch on.

From 7pm tonight, a special virtual Switch On will light up the city centre, with the event broadcast live on PrestonSwitchOn.co.uk and the Lancashire Post website.

The Preston Business Improvement District (BID), who organise the annual event, said the festivities will kick off at 7pm and are promising viewers some very 'special treats'.

As well as the all-important countdown, viewers will also be treated to special Switch On sets from M People star Heather Small and 70s soul stars The Real Thing. And families will be invited to join together for interactive singalongs whilst children can look forward to a very special guest appearance from the man of the hour - Father Christmas himself!

BID’s Mark Whittle said the city’s Christmas celebrations will be "a scaled down affair this year", but he says families can still enjoy the annual Switch On by watching the event online in front of their Smart TV, laptop or smartphone.

He said: "We’re very much looking forward to today's Virtual Switch On, which will feature some specially created performances, and a look back at some 'switch on' stars who have appeared in recent years.

"We’ll also be joined by a couple of famous faces, stopping by to wish the people of Preston a happy Christmas.

"The honour, of counting us down and switching on the lights, has gone to two proud Prestonians, who were chosen as the ‘Pride of Preston’ winners.

"Of course, this year’s event will be very different, but we didn’t want to let the occasion pass without marking it in some way with our partners Smooth Radio North West, the NWL Chamber of Commerce, and boutique hotel group, Walker Williams.

"We want as many people as possible to tune in from 7pm today and bring some cheer to the city."

The Switch On will see the city’s main shopping district, including Fishergate and Friargate, lit up as part of a scheme financed by the BID, which is funded by contributions from city centre traders.

The virtual ceremony will then conclude with the countdown and switch on performed by the winners of the BID’s ‘Pride of Preston’ competition, Justine Brooks and Marcus Wright.

You can watch the event for free on your Smart TV, laptop, mobile, or tablet by visiting PrestonSwitchOn.co.uk, from 7pm.

The celebration will be sponsored by Walker & Williams Boutique Hotels, which operates The No.10 and Winckley Square hotels in the city centre, and supported by Smooth Radio North West, as well as the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

To enjoy the lights switch on show, visit PrestonSwitchOn.co.uk from 7pm tonight (Saturday, November 21).

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