CHRISTMAS will make a fabulous entrance into Swindon this weekend as the festive lights are turned on.

The big switch-on will be accompanied by an epic firework display and a weekend of free activities as the town centre comes to life.

Live acts will take to the main stage in Wharf Green from 5.15pm on Saturday as Wyvern Theatre panto star Ryan Thomas switches on the Christmas lights.

X Factor winner Ben Haenow will also make an appearance in what promises to be the biggest and best Christmas switch-on yet.

A delighted Ryan said: “I’m really excited to be part of the Christmas switch-on event. It will be a great warm up for panto to be on stage in front of a huge Swindon crowd and see lots of smiling faces, and to be pressing the button to light up the town is a great honour.”

Singer Ben agreed, saying: “I’m really looking forward to performing at the Swindon Christmas light switch on - I’m hoping to see lots of happy faces singing along.”

The official switch-on will take place at 6pm, illuminating the town centre, followed by the firework display.

Children and grown-ups will be entertained by dancing elves, roller skating pixies and Mr and Mrs Claus on stilt. Havelock Square is set to host a Christmas market and the Brunel Centre will give children the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.

The Brunel will also offer elf balloon modelling, gift wrapping and a spot of festive hooping.

From 11am until 6pm a Cinderella carriage and giant snow globe will be on display in Regent Circus while the festive flying reindeer school will take to the skies above the parade from 11.30am until 4.30pm.

Canal Walk will also see a children’s carousel and a variety of different rides.

Acts taking to the main stage in Wharf Green include Heart Breakfast Show’s Ben and Mel, Banxy and dancers from the Youth Swindon Dance, a rock choir and panto stars The Ugly Sisters.

Christmas in the town centre doesn’t end there. On Sunday the main stage will be live from noon when Britain’s Got Talent dance sensations Boogie Storm wow the crowds with their amazing moves.

There will also be a performance from X Factor star finalist Jay James.

There will also be a lantern procession in which schools and colleges will be invited to join in and children will have the opportunity to create their own multi-coloured lanterns.

Other acts on the main stage on Sunday include dancers from Julie Scott’s Academy, an aerial hoop act and a range of different bands, choirs and soloists.

From 12.30pm until 3.30pm the Central Library will be putting on a lantern making workshop and from 3.50pm will host a festival of light parade.

Ryan, who stars in the panto from Saturday, December 10, said: “I’m really excited.

"Doing panto is more relaxing than doing a play. Here you can mix it up, play with the audience and improvise.”