THE stars of stage, screen and music world are heading to Manchester on Thursday, November 14 to celebrate Christmas in the city centre.
Thousands are expected for one of the biggest festive shows in the UK marking the season with a huge party on Deansgate for the first time.
Albert Square has hosted the show for more than two decades.
But this year’s event will be in the shadow of Manchester Cathedral.
Voice songstress, Becky Hill, has been handed responsibility for pushing the button to officially switch on the Mancunian lights.
Becky shot to fame as the first contestant on the popular talent show to top the UK singles chart with her track, Gecko.
Her performance at this year’s lights switch-on event is ahead of another sold out tour planned for 2020, along with a European arena tour supporting The Script.
Also providing entertainment will be former CBBC presenter and You Tube sensation, HRVY.
Following high profile tours with Little Mix and The Vamps – HRVY has since been nominated as the Choice Breakout Artist at the Teen Choice Awards and having chart success with ‘Younger’ a song in collaboration with last year’s Christmas Lights headliner, Jonas Blue.
After becoming household names competing on The X Factor, rising girl group Four of Diamonds, have progressed their careers, now including a spot on the Lights switch on bill.
Having spent much of 2018 supporting Rita Ora on her world tour, the group will bring their brand of pop power to the city centre.
Bring his malodorous views on Christmas to the show, Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas will try in vain to spoil the festive mood ahead of his turn on the boards at the Lowry.
But the mood will not be soured as the wives of Henry the Eighth strut their stuff with the cast of SIX take to the stage.
Panto royalty, Zoe George, will also bring the magic of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, while the cast of Gypsy will hark back to the time of vaudeville ahead of their upcoming production at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
And in what is becoming a much-loved annual fixture, the Dance Academy will return with their eye-popping moves.
Hits Radio Breakfast’s Fleur East, Greg and James will host the show.
As always the event is free both in terms of admission and alcohol.
Once the Deansgate event site reaches capacity access into the area will be restricted. There will be a family viewing area for those with pushchairs and small children accessed via Cateaton Street.
An accessible viewing platform is located next to the exit of the Marks and Spencers car park.
This can be accessed via New Cathedral Street. A first come basis is operated.
It is advised not to bring bags to the event. There will be security checks in operation and bags will delay admission.