More than 1.5miles of the city will be lit up by hundreds of thousands of super-bright LED bulbs all funded by city centre businesses via the BID and Preston City Council.

The Flag Market is once again expected to be packed with thousands of people as the city officially starts its countdown to Christmas.

The event, funded by city centre businesses and organised by the BID, is being staged in partnership with Smooth Radio North West.

What do the organisers say?

Mark Whittle from Preston BID said: “The Switch On is the city’s biggest free family show attracting thousands of people every year.

“Thanks to our partners and sponsors this year’s event is set to be even better with some great live performers lining up for the show – everyone’s invited; we look forward to seeing thousands of people making their way to the city centre and helping us launch Christmas in Preston.”

The event is sponsored by The Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston’s College, St George’s Shopping Centre, The Walker Williams Group and Walton’s Coach Hire.