THE countdown to Christmas will truly begin this evening with two radio DJs lending a hand.

The Festival Place Christmas lights switch-on happens this evening in Festival Square with Heart breakfast show hosts Matt and Michelle taking charge of proceedings with an array of guests.

The festivities get underway at 4pm and visitors will be able to enjoy a performance from The Halo Glow Show — an explosive visual stage act featuring the talents of virtuoso circus artists - and then a West End cast will perform songs from The Lion King, and the stars of The Anvil’s pantomime production of Peter Pan will be on stage with Santa and his elves for the switch-on countdown just before 6pm of the new twinkling lights.

After the switch-on, a fireworks display will light up the sky.

Elsewhere, the Festival Place's special Christmas tree will be in St. John’s Square and the centre owners say they may have a little surprise there for visitors.