Atomic Kitten star, Liz McClarnon will be wowing the crowds and enjoying the festivities in the town centre on Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm.

Hosted by Tommy the Trumpeter, the switch on takes place at the huge Christmas tree on the junction of King Street and Ocean Road.

Liz will be performing some of her hits and there'll be fun and games from Jem Frazer's Christmas Roadshow as well as festive rock and roll from Bessie and The Zinc Buckets. Santa will also be making an appearance.

Helping Liz with the lights will be the Mayor, Councillor Alex Donaldson who said: "This year will be really special in South Shields.
We have fantastic displays and magnificent lit trees in all parts of the town. I'm especially delighted to be welcoming Liz and I'm sure the crowds will give her a really warm welcome – regardless of the weather!"

"We've some really dazzling features and energy efficient lighting on the trees that are sure to brighten up the dark days and bring a little festive cheer to everyone who lives and visits South Shields this Christmas."

"They say Christmas is a time for children, but with South Tyneside's glittering display of festive lighting bigger and better than ever before it really is a time for everyone!"