IT'S just two days before boy band Union J switch on this year's Swindon town centre Christmas lights.

The band, which has had two top-ten albums, will switch on the lights and perform on the Wharf Green stage on Thursday.

Stage performances are due to start at 6.15pm with entertainment provided beforehand.

Each year the Christmas light switch-on is one of the biggest events in the town centre calendar, attracting hundreds of families eager to see the lights.

Union J sprung to fame in 2013 when they finished fourth on ITV’s X-Factor and have since performed in stadiums all over the UK and Ireland.

The ceremony marks the start of ChristmasFEST, which see a host of events, live entertainment and offers in Swindon during the festive period.

And it also marks the start of the Christmas shopping period, when stores in the town centre stay open late every Thursday.

It is all put together by inSwindon, which is responsible for running the town centre.

Diane Powell, inSwindon bid manager, said: "Christmas is such a special time for Swindon and we’re thrilled that Union J have chosen to join us for what promises to be an amazing evening.

"We can’t wait to reveal the rest of our line-up for 2015 in the coming weeks.

“Year on year we aim to offer variety to really captivate our audience and this year is no exception. ‘We’ve got it all’ this Christmas and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Swindon’s town centre to join us throughout this magical season.”

The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.

It is not the first time a star of X Factor has switched on the lights. In 2012 and 2013, Swindon’s own singing sensation Jahmene Douglas drew crowds of thousands for the big event.

Last year the 2012 winners of Britain’s Got Talent Ashleigh and Pudsey were joined on the big screen by pantomime star Nigel Havers.

ChristmasFest is funded by local businesses through inSwindon and so public money is not used.