THE Old Town Lights switch-on event is expected to draw the usual crowds, with Swindon Mayor Teresa Page and STFC players Nathan and Louis Thompson flicking the switch on.

The event, on November 27, starts at 6pm, when there will be a variety of entertainment from the Swindon Male Voice Choir, who will be accompanied by the Wroughton Silver band, Les Bicyclettes’ fire extravaganza, and performances from the Tanwood Dancers.

There will also be appearances from the Swindon Wildcats, the cast of the Wyvern Theatre’s Dick Whittington production and the big man himself, Father Christmas, on his sleigh.

The official countdown to the switch on at 7pm will be led by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Crier, Owen Collier.

Marilyn Fitzgerald, of the Old Town Business & Professional Association , who organise and pay for the annual event, said: “It’s been a successful and popular event for many years.

“This year we have Nathan and Louis Thompson switching on the lights. Footballers are always popular and there has always been a good turn out.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s always a lot of fun and brings everyone in Old Town together.

“It’s the same format as it has been in previous years this year. We are looking at making it a bit more contemporary next year.

“We’re also hoping all the businesses will get involved and put on their own lights as part of a competition.”

The Old Town event will come a week after the event in the town centre, which is set to dazzle crowds with a performance from TV sensations Ashleigh and Pudsey.

In 2012 the Border Collie, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested powderpuff dancing dog and his trainer won the hearts of millions when they won Britain’s Got Talent 2012 with their original and heart-warming performance of The Flintstones.

They will be joined by a host of town acts on a bill which gets underway from 6.30pm on November 20, at Wharf Green, for an evening of entertainment to open the festive season.

Di Powell, from the inSwindon BID Company, said: “We are excited to announce that Ashleigh and Pudsey are our main act for light switch-on.

“We wanted to make the light switch-on a real family show this year. We encourage everyone to get in early to get a good spot.”