TAKE That are to switch on the Regent Street Christmas lights this year.

On Sunday, November 16, Mark Owen, Gary Barlow and Howard Donald will switch on the Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb themed lights in London.

Radio presenters Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton will host the event, and will be joined on stage by fellow Heart presenters including Mark Wright, Jason Donovan, Jenni Falconer, Toby Anstis and JK and Lucy.

The show will kick off at 4pm with live performances from one of the UK’s biggest boy bands Union J, stunning singer/songwriter Jessie Ware, plus the West End smash hit musical The Jersey Boys and, from Britain’s Got Talent, The Jack Pack.

The official switch on will take place at 5pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Although not performing themselves, Take That have the ultimate privilege of flicking the switch to help launch Christmas across London.

Take That said: “Turning on the Christmas lights in London is like the starter gun for the main event. It’s the official start to the party season. We’re really looking forward to flicking the switch on the Regent Street lights next Sunday.”

From 12 noon on Sunday, November 16, all the family can enjoy on street entertainment as well as offers in many of the stores, taking advantage of the traffic-free environment to enhance their Christmas shopping experience.

City Academy, one of London’s leading creative and performing arts academies will be showcasing their talents on stage areas up and down the street between 12 noon and 6pm.

Children will get the opportunity to meet some of their favourite movie characters including Skipper, Rico, Private and Kowalski from the upcoming DreamWorks Animation Penguins of Madagascar as well as Po from Kung Fu Panda and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Additionally, living statues from Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb will come to life at sites across Regent Street including Robin Williams’ character Teddy Roosevelt, Steve Coogan’s character Octavius, Dan Stevens’ character Sir Lancelot, Owen Wilson’s character Jedediah and Rami Malek’s character, the Egyptian Pharaoh, Ahkmenrah.

Regent Street activities include a prize draw from Watches of Switzerland to win an exclusive Baume & Mercier Clifton watch, the chance to meet Hamley and Hattie, the bears of Hamleys, plus an array of discounts and in-store activities in many of the Regent Street shops, which will stay open until 6pm.