The festive season is to officially start on Saturday November 7 with Manchester’s 2015 Christmas Lights switch-on - and the line-up for the launch event has now been confirmed.
The event at Albert Square will feature live music, theatre stars and a dance performance and will finish with a ten minute musical firework display.
The lights will be officially turned on by ‘Coronation Street’ actor Catherine Tyldesley who will also perform a musical number with other stars from the show, including ex-Hearsay singer Kym Marsh.
Scouting for Girls and Lemar will also perform at the event, and cast members of the Opera House’s production of ‘Cinderella’ and The Lowry’s ‘Sound of Music’ will also take to the stage.
Street dance group The Aim Sky High Company will put on a performance and the Manchester Show Choir will open the event by singing a Christmas classic.
Entry to the event is free although access to Albert Square will be restricted once full capacity is reached.
The switch-on will be followed by the launch of Manchester's Christmas Markets one week later.
Manchester Christmas Lights switch-on, Saturday November 7, 7pm, Albert Square. Free entry.
See Time Out's guide to Christmas in Manchester.