Sunderland’s mayor is to be joined by Cinderella and Prince Charming this November when the city’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Cllr David Snowdon will turn on the lights together with stars from this year’s Sunderland Empire pantomime Cinderella on Thursday 21st November.

The switch-on fun, in Keel Square, will begin at 6.00 pm. Hosted by Sun FM’s Simon Grundy and Lauren McLeish, the event will feature a seasonal school choir, music from Channy Thompson and an invigorating performance from the Spark! Drummers.

The evening will be rounded off by a sensational fireworks display.

The Christmas Lights Switch On is part of the city centre’s Christmas in Sunderland programme.

Other aspects of the programme include the Festival of Light in Mowbray Park, Keel Square Ice Rink, and Hadrian’s Tipi on Crowtree Road. All of these attractions will open on the same day, Thursday 21st November.

The ice rink and the tipi will open at midday and the Festival of Light will begin at 4.00 pm.

Cinderella, meanwhile, will run at the Sunderland Empire Theatre from Friday 13th December to Sunday 5th January.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr David Snowdon, said, “Our annual Christmas Lights Switch On is a wonderful feel-good, family event that allows the city to come together and officially start the countdown to Christmas.”

“What’s more exciting this year is that there is so much to see and do in the city centre. We would encourage visitors to plan ahead so they can enjoy everything that Christmas in Sunderland has to offer.”

To learn more about Sunderland’s Christmas Lights Switch On and the Christmas in Sunderland programme, please go to www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/news/christmas-lights-sunderland-oh-yes-it

(This article’s featured image shows Sunderland’s Christmas Lights Switch On event in Keel Square in 2018.)