X FACTOR favourite Saara Aalto will bring star quality to Swindon’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The singer, who was a runner-up on the ITV smash-hit talent show, is headlining the town centre event later this month.

She will be joined by Swindon favourites Lewis Blissett, the Old Town teen who made it to the Voice Kids semi-finals, and Best of Swindon 2017 winner Maisie Long, who will be showing off her Irish dancing skills.

Both youngsters will perform before the Christmas lights switch-on, with the evening’s entertainment hosted by Heart’s breakfast show stars Ben and Mel.

Lewis, 13, said: "I've come to this event every year so it's crazy to be part of it. I'm really excited to be performing in front of such a huge crowd. Saara was really good on the X Factor and I'm looking forward to meeting her."

As well as the big stage entertainment, families can enjoy bubble-blowing elves, living Christmas trees, TV characters courtesy of Skywalkers, and the Scrooge and Scratchet Comedy Carol Duo.

Christmas favourite The Snowman will also be walking around Havelock Square, delighting his young fans.

Regent Street will become a “Fairytale Princess Zone”, said organisers inSwindon. Meanwhile, wand and sword-making workshops will take place in Theatre Square and the Wyvern Theatre will offer face painting.

Di Powell, inSwindon BID chief executive, said: “We hope you can come along and stock up on presents, be entertained, take part in free family activities, and get that Christmas feeling.”

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm on Saturday, November 18.