Leicester to stage four festive light switch-ons

Leicester is ready to light up for Christmas

Leicester will begin the countdown to Christmas later with four festive light switch-on events.

The city centre's main display will be illuminated at 18:30 GMT on Wednesday as crowds gather at the Clock Tower.

A marching band will then lead spectators to the Haymarket, Highcross and finally St Martin's Square, where separate displays of Christmas lights will be switched on one by one.

The festivities will also include colourful Christmas characters roaming the streets, musical performances, an ice rink and wheel of light at Jubilee Square, a festive market in Gallowtree Gate and a flurry of fake snow at St Peter's Square.

Leicester Town Hall will be illuminated with Christmas lights

Assistant city mayor for culture, Vi Dempster, said: "Thousands of people flock into the city centre for our switch-on event, and we look forward to welcoming everyone.

"There's lots going on throughout the festive season for visitors to Leicester."

The festivities will begin with the opening of the Christmas market in Gallowtree Gate from 10:00, followed by a funfair in Humberstone Gate, which will run from 12:00 to 21:00.

Activities will then move to the Haymarket from 16:00, with an appearance by Father Christmas and stilt walkers and music by reggae singer Tanni Browne, Pasic Musical Village Choir and Leicester Central Pathfinders Drum Core, as well as dance from Akshara Group and Sensational Vibes.

BBC Radio Leicester presenter Ady Dayman will then lead proceedings around the Clock Tower from 17:00 alongside The Apprentice contestant Virdi Mazaria from the Haymarket balcony.

RuPaul's Drag Race runner-up Divina De Campo and Leicester panto dame Jack Ballard will appear on the balcony to help flick the switch on the city centre street displays of more than 16,000 LED lights, alongside the 15m Christmas tree.

Over in Town Hall Square, there will be brass bands and choirs performing among the traditional trees and nativity scene until 20:00.

In Jubilee Square, the 35m high Wheel of Light will be running until 21:00, while the funfair in Humberstone Gate is also set to remain open until 21:00.