Popular CBeebies star Katy Ashworth will be bringing fun to festivities in Bolton when she performs the big Christmas Lights Switch-On this year.

Just a few months after she was last in Bolton for the Food and Drink Festival, Katy is making a welcome return to the town to help us countdown to the festive season.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On, sponsored by Market Place Shopping Centre, will be held in Victoria Square from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, November 20.

There’ll be a full show from 5pm, featuring local performers, followed by the arrival of the parade from Churchgate.

Katy will be rousing the crowd with a family sing-a-long before she is joined on stage by Father Christmas and the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Martin Donaghy, who will help her flick the switch at 7pm.

The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks’ display from the roof of the town hall and there will be an opportunity for shoppers to meet Katy after the event at Market Place Shopping Centre.

Katy said: “I had such a great time in Bolton at the Food and Drink Festival in the summer that I was only too happy to come back and help the town with their countdown to Christmas.

“I love this time of year, and I can’t wait to see the excited faces of the crowd on Victoria Square as they wait for the big switch-on and the fireworks. There’s loads of fantastic things happening for families in the town centre this year – it’s going to be great!”

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris said: “The big Christmas Lights Switch-On is eagerly awaited every year and once again we’ve organised a fantastic show, including local talent, Father Christmas and the traditional Christmas parade.

“Katy Ashworth was a big hit with our young visitors in the summer, so we’re hoping families will join us on November 20 for some more fun and festive entertainment. We’ve got free parking after 3pm each weekday, as well as at weekends, and an exciting Winter Wonderland to look forward to so the big switch-on will mark the start of our countdown to Christmas.”

Nikki Wilson-Cook, Market Place Shopping Centre manager said: "We are honoured to be the official sponsor of this year’s Christmas lights switch-on. Market Place is committed to building positive relationships in the town so being involved in one of Bolton town centre’s biggest events is very important to us. It will be an evening of fun for all the family and we look forward to welcoming Katy and shoppers to the centre."

For more information about what’s on this Christmas, Click here