SOUTHEND is gearing up for the best Christmas lights switch on so far.

The festive fun will take place on Saturday on the High Street and there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Organised by Southend Business Improvement District (BID), there will be a variety of family entertainment alongside the switch on, which will be taking place at 6pm.

Alison Dewey, manager at BID said: “We have a fantastic line up this year for everyone to enjoy and a 46ft tree.

“We have a new Christmas light scheme which has changed for the first time in 13 years.

“The fireworks are set to be great and I’m sure they will go out in a blaze of glory as they are the last of this year.

“I am proud to be part of this.

“We have a fantastic event management team.

“It really is a partnership effort.”

The main stage will be situated in Victoria Circus and will be hosted by Dom Atkins.

There will be lots to enjoy from 11am until 4pm, including appearances from Voice Kids, including Kobi and Charlie Dillon and the Royals Shopping Centre’s very own Ryan the Lion.

There will also be performances from Matt Linen, a singer from Southend who came to national attention after competing on the X Factor.

The BBC Essex stage at Royals Square will be hosted by Ian Wyatt and Steve Scrutton from noon until 8pm.

Musical headliner at the event will be Lauren Platt, semi-finalist from the 11th series of the X Factor.

She will be accompanying the fireworks display from 7.30pm.

In the alcove at Debenhams, there will be street pianos, alongside the Little Royalty Christmas Club event for kids to enjoy free face painting, arts and crafts, singing and Christmas themed games.

Other events taking place at the switch on in the Royals Shopping Centre include a polar bear, a performance area and footmen at each entrance giving away candy canes and crowns.

Plus after the switch on there will be a finale firework display on the City Beach Seafront, which is free for all to enjoy.

This event follows the success of last year’s switch on, which included free face painting, a lifelike polar bear, prizes and the chance to meet Santa himself in the Royals Shopping Centre.

Hundreds of people turned out last year, and organisers expect this year to be just as successful.

Councillor James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “The Christmas lights switch on is a popular tradition here in Southend and we are delighted that Southend BID have worked tirelessly to set up this free event.”

For more information on the event and timings, visit southend.gov.uk/events