THE countdown to Christmas is on and Bury is preparing to get into the full swing of the festive season with its glittering lights switch on.

The Be a Rock Star Christmas Lights Switch on will kick off from 5pm to 7pm tonight.

It is free to attend and will feature a packed evening of stellar entertainment and an extra special visit from Father Christmas himself.

Taking to the stage for festive fun will be special guests children's TV star Sid Sloane and pop superstar Max George.

Kids favourite Sid Sloane has been entertaining youngsters on CBeebies for almost two decades and will be bringing all the lively fun of his hit show Let's Play.

Max shot to fame with boyband The Wanted who topped the charts with anthems like All Time Low.

Since leaving the group he has released two solo singles Barcelona and Better On Me which have received millions of streams.

Families will also be to enjoy performances from groups from the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop as well as fun from event co-hosts, Hits Radio.

This year's big switch on will feature dazzling new decorations for the event's first Starry Night theme which will illuminate the town in a stunning display of light.

But the fun does not end there as families will be in with a change of scooping a bundle of great prizes including a £500 shopping spree and tickets to pop music extravaganza Hits Radio Live.

To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is bring a mobile phone and find a member of the Hits Radio team for details on entering.

However you must stick around for the duration of the event to win.

The light's switch on marks the start of the festive season at The Rock with plenty more Christmassy fun in the run up to the big day.

Santa's Grotto will officially open on November 23 with a spectacular Santa's Arrival parade in the morning.

The Rock Express festival transport will then return to ferry shoppers around the two throughout December.

For more information visit www.therockbury.com