Everything you need to know about Kettering's Christmas lights switch-on

The BIG Switch On is jam-packed with special guests and entertainment and will run from 4pm to 8pm in Market Place.

Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps star Will Mellor will be turning on the lights at the event hosted by local radio Shire Sounds.

Will said: "I’m excited to be kicking off Kettering’s Christmas festivities by switching on the town’s lights. I’m looking forward to a brilliant night and meeting the people of Kettering!"

The BIG Switch On will also feature CBBC's Ed Petrie, who is starring in the Lighthouse Theatre's panto Cinderella.

The YouthWorks and Johnny's Happy Place Lantern Parade will finish at Market Place and there will be performances from Beat Project Dance Company, KLF Choir, Kettering Town Silver Band, Vicki Becks and duets with Kara Smith and Dave Lee, and band The Fevers.

There will also be a funfair, fire engine, a Santa Sleigh, a giant polar bear and street performers.

There will be free car parking in Kettering Council's town car parks from 3pm on Thursday (November 28).

Christmas light switch-on events in Burton Latimer and Desborough will be happening the following day (Friday).

Rothwell will be having a Christmas Gala in Market Hill Square on Friday, December 6.

Kettering will be celebrating Christmas throughout December with more markets and events.

The Kettering Christmas Market on Thursday, December 5, will be in Market Place from 4pm to 8pm and will have stalls, entertainment and more.

There will also be a Small Business and Teenage Market on Saturday, December 7, from 9am to 4pm giving young entrepreneurs a chance to run their stall.

A ice rink will make its return to Kettering on Saturday, December 14, at the Christmas Fun Day in Market Place from 10am to 4pm.

There will be a new curling lane and games, entertainment, face painting, Christmas crafts and more.

On the Saturday before Christmas, December 21, there will be Christmas carols in Market Place led by Mrs Claus and accompanied by Kettering Citadel Band and Choir.

Over the Christmas period, as you enjoy the seasonal events and get in some last-minute present shopping, Kettering Council is offering free town centre parking in council car parks on Thursday, November 28, and Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19 after 3pm and all day on Saturday, December 7, 14 and 21.

Parking is free in council town centre car parks every Sunday all day.

You can find our more about Christmas by following the hashtag #ChristmasinKettering on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There is also a website which you can find at ThisisKettering.com/Christmas.