SPECTACULAR displays will light up a stretch of North-East coastline as the autumn nights draw in, over coming weeks.

The switch-on for the 2016 Sunderland Illuminations, on Saturday (September 24), will mark the start of six-weeks of family fun in Seaburn and neighbouring Roker.

Running until Saturday 5 November, Roker Park, Cliffe Park and the seafront will be transformed with a promised bigger and better lighting display than previously seen at the event.

More than 300,000 people visited last year’s illuminations, with 97-per cent of those surveyed stating they would return and recommend the event to their friends.

Sunderland city councillor John Kelly, said: “We’re now using the whole of Roker Park for the first time, and visitors can expect to see pirates, dinosaurs, fairies and all kinds of other weird and wonderful installations.”

The illuminations will be shining between 5 and 10pm each night of the event, starting with a switch on 'party', at Cliffe Park, Seaburn, on Saturday, between 7 and 8pm.

It will include a build-up, featuring a drumming and lighting show, performances by St Anthony’s School choir and local singer Chloe Castro, who appeared on BBC’s The Voice last year.

City Mayor, councillor Alan Emerson, will be accompanied by Sunderland AFC legends Kevin Ball and Jimmy Montgomery to perform the switch on the lights.

Entry into Roker Park will cost £1 per person, to generate fund’s for future years lighting displays.

Children aged two years and under will be admitted free of charge.