HUNDREDS of spectators are expected to join in the festive fun when the lights on a town’s Christmas tree are switched on.

Local schoolchildren will throw the switch to light up Chester-le-Street’s Christmas tree in the Market Place on Thursday, December 3.

More than 1,000 people attended the event last year and organisers hope for a similar number this time around.

Festive entertainment will start at 4pm, including pantomime characters, stilt-walking street acts and the town crieri, while there will be an on-stage performances from Frosty Magic Characters leading a Frozen sing-a-long.

Children’s theatre group the Drama Tree will be performing, while Churches Together will deliver a Christmas message and there will be traditional carols.

The lights will be switched on by children who won a Christmas picture competition, sponsored by Wilko’s and the Computer Centre.

Parking in the town centre car parks will be free from 3pm throughout December.

Joyce Roberts, from Chester-le-Street and District Business Association, said: “We had a very similar event last year which saw well over 1000 people come along to enjoy the acts we have and to help generate that Christmas spirit.

“We hope that people use the ‘Free after Three’ car parking in council car parks to stay and do some of their Christmas shopping.”

The event has been developed by the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnerships Town and Village task group which focuses on events and activities in the town and surrounding villages.