Christmas light switch-on to launch festive season

Leicester's Christmas market will be expanded this year

Leicester's annual Christmas lights event, which will illuminate a 44ft (13.4m) tree, will feature three switch-ons, it has been announced.

Leicester City Council said its festive season will be launched on 19 November with an event featuring music, a "flash mob", street entertainment and a funfair.

The council said this year's programme features an expanded Christmas market, more chances for ice skating and a host of seasonal shows.

Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture said they wanted to create more chances for families to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

The city's main Christmas decorations, Town Hall Square lights and Clock Tower tree will be the first to light up when cast members from this year's De Montfort Hall pantomime - Dick Whittington - flick the switch at 18.30 GMT.

A 44-foot (13.4m) tree will be the centre-piece of the switch-on

They will be joined on the Haymarket balcony by Father Christmas, Leicester City mascot Filbert Fox and BBC Radio Leicester's Ady Dayman, who will be leading the countdown to the main event.

The panto stars will then turn on the Haymarket shopping centre lights alongside, joining a representative of Rainbows Children's Hospice at 18.45 GMT.

The Leicester Riders will then lead the switch-on of the Highcross Leicester lights – which will be adorned with brand new decorations this year - in St Peter's Square at 19.00 GMT.

A festive fairground in Humberstone Gate will also launch on 19 November while the Jubilee Square ice rink, which is opening for an extra week this year, will run from 28 November to 4 January.