Festive Wharf Green ceremony with fireworks finale set to be one of best ever

The boy band, who have two top-ten albums, will light up the town before performing on the Wharf Green stage tomorrow evening.

The singers said: “We’re so excited to be part of the Swindon Christmas lights switch-on with inSwindon and look forward to performing and getting everybody in the mood for Christmas and we’ve got a really special performance lined up!”

Unfortunately George, who has entered the jungle for I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, will not be joining fellow bandmates Josh, Jaymi and JJ.

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

They will follow in the footsteps of X Factor runner-up Jahmene Douglas and Britain’s Got talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey as guests of honour.

“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,” said inSwindon BID manager, Diane Powell.

“We’ve been in the process of planning the Christmas lights since the beginning of the year – planning the fantastic activities and events that will be happening on the day as well as scooping out the great local talent that will be performing.

"Picking our headline act for the lights switch-on is always a tricky one because we want to bring the best entertainment possible to Swindon.

"We’re really pleased with this year’s act – the band were first formed on the X Factor where they wowed audiences of thousands each week. Since then they have grown in popularity, had two top ten albums and supported the Vamps on tour.

“We just can’t wait for the Christmas season to begin, the show this year is brimming with activity but it’s only the start of more festive celebrations across the town.

“There’s no need for tickets, it’s free. Simply wrap up warm, grab your family and friends and get ready to have some fun.”

The Christmas lights switch-on is a favourite in the Swindon events calendar, attracting thousands who are eager to see the streets set aglow.

Festivities will kick off at 10am. Families will be invited to have a free photograph taken inside a giant snow globe throughout the day.

Glow sticks will be handed out to shoppers by stilt walkers while local bands perform around the town centre.

Children will have the opportunity to make their own Santa hats at The Parade from 3pm and meet Titan the Robot upstairs in the plaza at 4pm and 5.30pm.

They may even bump into some of their favourite cartoon characters.

Swindon Young Musicians will entertain the crowds from 5pm at Regent Circus.

Heart presenters Ben and Mel will take to the Wharf Green stage at 6.15pm, along with the Gospel Choir and Swindon Dance before Union J’s arrival and a glitzy switch-on ceremony.

A huge fireworks display brings the festive extravaganza to a close.

The Christmas lights switch-on will coincide with Swindon town centre’s Christmas Jumper Day.

Shoppers will be encouraged to wear their most festive top and share their Christmas jumper selfies on Twitter and Facebook using hashtags #swindonlightswitchon and #swindonlights2015.

Free parking will be available from 3pm to 9pm every Thursday until the end of January in the Brunel North and Fleming Way car parks.

Timetable of events

10am–8pm: The Parade
Free photograph inside the Giant Snow Globe 

3pm: The Parade 
Santa hat making workshop for children 

5pm, Regent Circus 
Swindon Young Musicians

4pm and 5.30pm: The Brunel Shopping Centre
Meet Titan the Robot, pictured below 

6.15pm onwards: Wharf Green
Heart presenters Ben and Mel
Gospel Choir 
Swindon Dance 
Lights switch-on with Union J
Firework finale