LIGHTS will illuminate the city centre with a new Christmas parade set to bring festive joy to Colchester.

The city's Business Improvement District has unveiled plans for a “bigger and better than ever” Christmas event.

And it will mean a switch away from previous, more traditional light switch-ons.

Bosses say the celebration will bring Colchester alive with lights and music, celebrating the community like never before.

This year’s event comes after two years of absence and marks the first year of Colchester being named a city.

The BID has said there will be a light switch-on extravaganza, with plans changing from a typical static switch-on event to a festive light parade through the city centre.

Schools are invited to take part with the creation of magical lanterns which will be featured in the parade alongside large light floats, professional entertainment and community groups.

Attendees can follow the parade through the city centre and watch as the city centre is illuminated with Christmas lights along the route.

The parade will form up at the Mercury Theatre and on North Hill before proceeding down the High Street past Fenwick, the town hall and the George Hotel, bringing the street to light as it passes through.

The parade ends at approximately 6pm at Firstsite after passing Castle Park and the war memorial.

BID manager Sam Good said: “My team and I are thrilled to be hosting the biggest Christmas in Colchester event to date, which is only fitting in our first year of being a city.

“It’s a very exciting time of year for Colchester with so much going on the light parade, which will switch on the Christmas lights citywide, is such a unique feature of this year and I’m sure it’ll be a magical event to remember.

"We are working hard to make it as accessible as possible for everyone.

“With the cost-of-living crisis hanging over everyone’s head this winter, we hope that this free event celebrating Christmas and the Colchester community will bring the city together for a spectacular evening of entertainment, light and joy.”

The free switch-on parade is scheduled to take place on Wednesday November 16 from 4pm.