Panto star and Wives to switch on lights

THIS year's festive season will get under way with a grand Christmas light switch on by the Military Wives Choir and panto star Christopher Biggins.

The event is scheduled for November 22 when the fun will start at 4pm with music and entertainment from a stage being put up on Cornwall Street.

ABOVE: The Military wives Choir perform at the Citadel during Music of the Night. RIGHT: Chistopher Biggins as Sarah the cook in Dick Whittington

Details of the city's late night shopping dates have also been announced and will start from Thursday November 22 running every Thursday until December 20, with most shops open until 8pm.

In the week before Christmas (starting December 17) most shops will be open every night until 9pm. Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: "Plymouth's Christmas lights switch-on is always a real crowd-puller and a great evening out for all the family.

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"I hope lots of people head in to the city centre to give our special guests a warm welcome and celebrate the start of the festive season."

Renowned for his comedy and pantomime performances, Christopher will be starring in this year's Theatre Royal Christmas panto, Dick Whittington.

Christopher will be joined on stage by the Military Wives Choir, who will be singing songs from their new album 'Stronger Together'.

The switch-on celebrations are jointly organised and funded by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth City Centre Company and mark the start of the city's annual Winter Festival.

Festival highlights include the Christmas ice rink on the piazza, festive shows at Plymouth Pavilions, Santa's Grotto in Frankfort Gate, Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal, the Twinkling Twilight Lantern Parade through the city centre (December 6) and the Santa fun run on December 9.

The traditional Christmas Market in Armada Way will also be opening to coincide with the switch-on celebrations and will be selling its wares until Christmas Eve. All city car parks will be open for the Christmas lights switch-on event.

Park and ride services will also be running.

SWITCH ON: Programme

4pm Music (on CD)

4.20pm La Navet Bete – international tour group of clowns

4.40pm Poppy Mills – classical singer

5pm Beat Breakers – local street dancing group

5.20pm Gaga Unleashed – Lady Gaga tribute act

5.45pm Military Wives Choir

6.10pm Joker – covers band

6.15pm Live interviews on ITV Westcountry and lights switch-on

6.30pm Joker

7.30pm Music (on CD)