Peppa and George will be joining the spectacular Christmas parade as it makes its way from Deansgate to Victoria Square. They will then appear as Sammy Winward, the Mayor and Mayoress and Father Christmas flick the switch at 7pm.

The cheeky little piggies will also be available to see their young fans in three personal appearances at the Market Place Shopping Centre at 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.

A selection box of local talent will also be unwrapped at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On.

From 5pm, crowds will be treated to a free concert featuring Bolton groups Father and Son and Jade Assembly.

Solo performances will also be delivered by local singers Aaron Jones and Redd

There will also be performances from the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Whites Hotel and the BFG at the Octagon; Bolton Children’s Workshop; and Angels Dance group. Finally, the fabulous Rock Choir will perform a medley of tunes.

Following the evening’s entertainment, guests and performers will welcome the arrival of Father Christmas and an expanded festive parade ready for the switch-on at 7pm.

The parade leaves Churchgate at 6pm and arrives in Victoria Square at around 6.45pm.

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Peppa and George to Bolton’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event and we’re sure that lots of visitors will be keen to see Sammy Winward flick the switch.

“We’re also pleased to give our young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“We’ve got an extremely talented and varied line-up this year, with a number of acts who are already making their way in the music world. Existing fans – and new ones – are in for a treat.”

The event will end with a spectacular fireworks’ display from the roof of the town hall.

Nikki Wilson-Cook, Market Place Shopping Centre manager said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Christmas Lights Switch-On, which promises to be an evening of family entertainment.

“We also hope to see lots of little ones and their families at the Market Place before the lights switch-on, where they will have the chance to see Peppa and George.  There will be photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring your cameras.”

Late night opening in the town’s shops will also start on November 19, so people can do their Christmas shopping.

There’s free parking after 3pm in the town centre multi-storey car parks each weekday until December 31, in addition to all day every weekend and bank holidays all year round.