IT’S going to be looking a lot like Christmas in Colchester this weekend with the annual festive switch-on.

This year there’s plenty to get excited about, not only with the an ice skating rink located in the town’s Castle Park for the first time but a very approriate ‘star’ name to turn-on the lights in Dancing on Ice champion Hayley Tamaddon.

Thousands of people are expected to the town centre this Sunday, November 29, to see the spectacular new Christmas lights being turned on as well as plenty of other Christmas fun and games.

​The highlight of the day will be at 4.30pm when Coronation Street actress Hayley joins Colchester mayor, Theresa Higgins to get the town's seasonal celebrations underway as they switch on the new display of stars and baubles in the High Street.

Councillor Higgins, says: "We're thrilled to have Hayley switch on the Christmas lights this year. The light switch-on is one of the most popular events of the year and is even more exciting this year as we celebrate a new theme to the town's lights."

Prior to the main switch on, there will be lots of activity across the town from 10am.

At 3.30pm the traditional unveiling of Williams and Griffin’s Christmas window in the High Street will take place as Father Christmas and his Elf arrive in their normal grand manner to oversee proceedings.

There’s also a festive performance from the Funky Voices Choir in the High Street, Headway Christmas Fair taking place in Culver Square, Santa's Magical Post Office in Lion Walk, and a visit from the cast of the Mercury Theatre’s pantomime this year.

Sunday Festive Timetable

10am to 5pm - Headway Christmas Fair, Culver Square.

10am to 5pm - Embroidery Exhibition, Talks and Sale, including free talks at 11.30am and 3pm, Culver Square.

11am to 4pm - Festive Fun in Sir Isaac’s Walk and Eld Lane.

12pm to 4pm - Santa opens his magical Post Office in Red Lion Yard.

2pm to 4pm - Christmas activities in St Nicholas Square area.

2.30pm to 4.30pm - Characters from the Mercury’s Aladdin pantomime walk around the town.

2.40pm - Ilaz Performerz Dance Company, Colchester Town Hall.

3pm - Funky Voices Choir, Colchester Town Hall.

3.30pm - Williams and Griffin Christmas window unveiling.

4pm - The Latin Rhythm, Colchester Town Hall.

4.30pm - Christmas light switch-on, Colchester High Street, Culver Square and Lion Walk.