ACTOR and pantomime star Christopher Biggins will be the big attraction as he turns on Southend’s Christmas lights next month.

Biggins is to star alongside David Hasselhoff as Smee in Peter Pan at the Cliffs Pavilion this festive season, but will take a break from rehearsals to light up Southend on Saturday, November 15.

The Heart FM Big Switch On will begin at 2.30pm on a specially constructed stage at Victoria Circus with performances from Britain’s Got Talent stars SweetChix, dance group Youth Creation and X Factor boyband Avenue.

Heading into the evening, flame-haired X Factor singer Lydia Lucy will appear, as will ultimate party band Glitterball and then Biggins, who will press the button and start the countdown to Christmas.

Dawn Jeakings, chairman of business group Southend Bid, said: “I always look forward to Christmas in Southend.

“With its combination of big stores, little boutique and lots to see and do, the High Street and seafront really do have something for everyone. For me, the Big Switch On has become the official start to the Christmas countdown and I think this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever. So, bring the whole family to Southend, join in the fun and get ready for a really cool Yule.”

When all the lights are illuminated, the party will continue, with more entertainment and music from Royal Square. On Saturday, November 29, Santa will parade through Southend High Street from 4.30pm.

A fortnight later, Carols for Christmas will bring festive cheer to the town with a day of entertainment, stretching the length of the High Street. There is also late-night shopping every Thursday from December 5 to December 19, with free parking from 4pm on Thursdays and all day Sunday, throughout the month.

CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS

CAROLS for Christmas is to take place on Saturday, December 13.

Shoppers will be able to enjoy the sounds of local choirs and bands.

There will be performances from the Southend Boys and Girls Choir, Funky Voices, the Show Choir and Southend Brass Band, as well as Absolute Arts Performing Arts School and the Essex Marching Corps.

SANTA AND 'ROYALTY' AT SOUTHEND PARADE

SOUTHEND’S Santa’s Parade will take place on Saturday, November 29 The parade is set to be bigger and better than ever, with loads to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

It will include face painting at the Royals and Victoria shopping centres, lantern making at the Royals, a drumming workshop with Brazil Arte drummers, magic and ballon art with children’s entertainer Alibarmy, sword fighting displays and a real-life reindeer in Royal Square.

There’s even the chance to meet the ‘Queen’ and ‘Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’ – top royal family lookalikes – before the parade starts. The procession is to kick off at 4.30pm in Royal Square, before making its way up High Street.

Father Christmas will be there as well as his reindeer, professional bands, the Peter Pan galleon – complete with shanty dancers – from the Cliffs Pavilion panto, red Indians and even the giant crocodile.

The Royals Shopping Centre’s float is set to live up to its name Royalty, plus there will be performances from dance schools and community groups.

To round off the afternoon there will be a festive singalong “carol-oke” in Victoria Circus.