FORMER Heart Essex DJs Martin and Su are set to be reunited for the first time after their radio show was axed six months ago.

The pair will be joined by a number of celebrities for Southend’s Christmas lights Big Switch On.

Martin Day and Su Harrison hosted their breakfast show on Heart Essex for almost 20 years before their tenure ended in May.

Martin said: “One of the things I love about this event is the amount of people who come out; it’s phenomenal and it’s always a buzz being on stage in front of all those people.

“It will be fun to get together with Su again and good to have a catch up.

“Su and I always had a relationship where I would wind her up but she does get her own back.

“It’s lovely to get people into the Christmas spirit and it feels like events like this genuinely kick start Christmas.”

The switch on takes place next Saturday, November 16.

Joining Martin and Su will be Eastenders’ Ricky Champ, who plays Stuart Highway, who first shot to fame in Game of Thrones, along with The Voice sensation from Leigh, Sarah Tucker,

The free event will have arts and crafts activities in the Royals and Victoria shopping centres at 11am, and the fun ramps up from midday, when presenters from BBC Essex will be introducing a line-up of local talent on the Visit Southend stage in Royals Square.

At 1pm, radio DJ, Dom Atkins, will compere before handing the mic to Martin and Su at 4.30pm.

Throughout the day, acts such as the D’ukes, Rolling Machine, Humbleslug, Lemonade Hand Grenade, and choirs including The Show Choir, Southend VOX, Funky Voices, Sweet Charity Choir, The Rock Choir and the Little Theatre Company will provide live entertainment.

Two Essex stars of The Voice Kids - Charlie Dillon and Liv Lawrence - will also play their part.

More singers and performers are also being given a chance to showcase their talents by playing live sets at the Busking Bus, located outside Lloyds bank on the High Street.

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend BID manager, said: “Don’t forget all this is completely free. The Big Switch On is a wonderful way to come and experience the fun capital of Essex.”

n Turn to page 22 for more on Southend BID’s plans in the run up to Christmas

Southend BID’s Big Switch On is in partnership with Caddies, Energie Fitness, the Royals Shopping Centre, Southend Adult Community College and the Victoria Shopping Centre.

For more information, visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk/christmas