TOWN centre managers will show Swindon’s got talent too when TV sensations Ashleigh and Pudsey dazzle crowds at this year’s Christmas lights switch-on event.

The winners of Britain’s Got Talent 2012 will open the event, hosted by the inSwindon BID Company, with a performance from dancing powderpuff crossbreed (Border Collie, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested powderpuff) Pudsey and his trainer Ashleigh, who won the hearts of millions 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 Ashleigh and Pudsey as our main act for 2014 Christmas 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.”

During the day, visitors can also browse the festive market, take a peek in Santa’s Grotto and watch a number of festive films.

Visitors can also enjoy live music and dance performances from the likes of Swindon Samba and the choir from the Great Western Hospital.

There will also be street characters, stilt walkers and a town crier.

At 6.30pm, Heart FM will officially launch the celebrations with a performance from Swindon Dance.

This will then be followed by a performance from The Brunel’s Elf Act, before they are wowed by an aerial hoop performance by Emily Smith.

A live link up to Wyvern Theatre panto star Nigel Havers will then take place before Ashleigh and Pudsey take to the stage, performing to the family audience before officially switching on the Swindon town centre lights.

The evening will end with a firework display before visitors can browse many of the shops which will remain open for the launch of the Thursday late night shopping period.

The town centre has already become a hive of activity with preparations for the festive season well underway, and there are already only a few chalets left for traders wanting to participate in this year’s Christmas market.

Di said: “Markets are truly magical around this time, bringing a traditional feel to the town amidst a time of joy and cheer as the build up to Christmas is well under way.

“The illuminated chalets look fabulous in the darkened winter evenings, where shoppers fill the town centre searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones.”

The market will run from December 4 for just over two weeks, finishing on December 21, and will be located along Canal Walk.

Last year, an estimated 28,000 people were wowed when rags-to-riches X-Factor runner-up Jahmene Douglas returned to his home town to switch on the town centre lights.