CHRISTMAS is set to start with a bang in Basingstoke at the big lights switch on in Festive Place.

The annual festive event will start at 5.30pm on November 13 when a host of entertainment is planned for thousands of shoppers.

Santa himself will push the big button and light up the shopping centre ready for the festive period and he will be joined by this year’s The Anvil pantomime star Mark Little, who played likeable rogue Joe Mangle in Neighbours.

Adding to the entertainment will be The Military Wives Choir, made famous by Gareth Malone’s original BBC television series.

The choir has scored two top-five albums in recent years – In My Dreams and Stronger Together – and it sang as part of the Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day 2012.

The group will be joined in this year’s line-up by the Walk Like a Man, a Jersey Boys tribute act featuring West End singers.

The whole evening will be hosted by Breeze FM’s breakfast presenters Ben Moseby and Lizzie Crow.

Following the countdown a spectacular firework show is set to wow the crowds.

Festive Place will be launching its Christmas experience the day before the lights switch on.

Children can meet Santa in his grotto and enjoy a ride on a Christmas train.

  • For more information visit festivalplace.co.uk.