The annual Christmas lights switch-on event will return next month.

Taking place on Saturday 21 November, the community celebration, managed by Freedom Leisure, usually attracts around 10,000 people to the centre of Stafford.

Festivities will begin at 12pm with a parade starting at Tipping Street and travelling through the town made up of around 100 people representing ten local groups.

A giant 40ft decorated Christmas Tree will steal the attention of passers-by in Market Square and stars of this year's Stafford Gatehouse panto, Aladdin, will join the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Cllr Mark Winnington, and Father Christmas on stage to launch the Christmas countdown.

They will include children's favourite Mark Rhodes and popular dame David Phipps-Davis along with Samantha Spragg who plays the Genie.

A large screen will ensure everyone has a good view of the event.

There will be live music and street entertainment throughout the day before the lights are switched on at 5pm.

People are encouraged to arrive early as the main area in Market Square will be temporarily closed from 4.45pm for safety reasons.

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After the lights are switched on, there will then be a firework display followed by crowd singing and dancing.

Cllr Gillian Pardesi, cabinet member for leisure at the Borough Council said: "The Christmas Lights Switch on event provides the perfect showcase for our county town in the run up to the big day.

"I am sure the event will be as popular as ever and attract thousands of shoppers and families to the town centre in what has always been considered as Stafford's traditional countdown to Christmas Day.

"One of the best moments for me is seeing the smiles on the faces of the children when those beautiful lights are turned on - it really is a wonderful experience."

Ross Stephenson, Freedom Leisure's events manager, said: "This is the biggest day of the year in the town centre calendar and we're so excited to be working with the Borough Council to get everyone in the festive mood.

"There will be lots of entertainment to get people in the party mood and then that very special moment when the lights first go on, accompanied by the cheers of thousands of onlookers.

"We are also pleased to have brought community groups together for the 'Walking Parade' through the heart of the town celebrating a range of organisations that help make Stafford a great place to be."

Timings recap:

12pm- Parade

5pm- Light switch-on and fireworks (arrive early)

More specific details and timings will be available soon.