CHRISTMAS officially begins on Thursday, November 18, as Winchester turns on its festive lights.

X Factor contestants The Reason will be there to help switch the lights on with the Mayor, Cllr Richard Izard, at 6pm in The Broadway, outside the Guildhall.

The switch-on is hosted by DJ’s from local radio The Breeze 107FM.Also entertaining will be the University of Winchester Choir and the cast of Peter Pan, this year’s Christmas pantomime at the Theatre Royal.

The event was organised by Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and there will be various festive market stalls opening from 3.30pm until 6.30pm with many Winchester businesses present.

Amy McCartan, marketing manager for BID, said: “We are delighted that this year we have moved the event onto The Broadway. The area provides us with more space to incorporate local traders and children’s entertainment. We are thrilled that we have The Reason performing as the main act. We hope that this year’s event will be bigger and better than previous years”.