THE Christmas lights in Salisbury will be switched on tonight in a free event for all the family in the Market Place from 6pm to 8pm.

There will be a variety of entertainment and music with Father Christmas and a festive video-mapping display with pyro-technics and snow.

Eastenders star Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning in the soap, will be switching on the lights.

The event marks the start of the late night festive shopping in the city and this year will include performances from Faux with their indie and alternative rock mix, a performance from Salisbury’s Starcast Performing Arts School and the Salisbury Plain-based covers band Break Cover who will be singing a mixture of festive songs and hits from across the decades.

Mayor Andrew Roberts will be accompanying Father Christmas and the Dean of Salisbury The Very Reverend June Osborne will give a blessing on the evening.

The countdown to the actual switching on of the city's lights starts at around 7pm followed by a light projection show with stage pyrotechnics.

For more information about the event visit salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or call 01722 342860.