MUSIC stars past and present will attend a switch-on event to kickstart the countdown to Christmas this weekend.

In Carlisle, the city will turn on their lights tomorrow.

A star-studded Christmas lights switch-on stage will be in place outside the Old Town Hall between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Mayor of Carlisle, Marilyn Bowman, said:“The Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy an afternoon of great entertainment as well as sampling our city’s shops, cafés and restaurants. I’m delighted to be leading the countdown to the lights switch-on. It’s going to be a great event”

Headlining the event will be 90s’ pop band East 17 and former The Wanted singer, Max George.

Hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s 2019 semi-finalist, comedian Barbara Nice, it will also be a showcase of local community groups and performers including local singer Joe Hurst, Rocket Theatre School and Studio A Dance.

The Mayor of Carlisle, councillor Marilyn Bowman will trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5pm.

Brampton will hold its switch-on ceremony on Sunday, November 24, followed by Wigton on Sunday, December 1.