With one of the region’s top pantomimes and the centre boasting one of the largest selections of national and independent retailers in Suffolk, the Town Centre Management Partnership, in conjunction with the Marina Theatre presents a spectacular Christmas lights switch on event featuring star names, family entertainment and live music.

In addition late night shopping and a festive family fun day will ensure Lowestoft’s principle retail area shine even brighter over the festive season.

The fun kicks off on Thursday 25 November with Heart Breakfast stars Rob & Chrissie hosting the Heart Sound Stage from 5pm outside BHS.

Former Big Breakfast host Mike ‘Squeaky’ McClean and Hi De Hi’s Nikki Kelly, alongside their fellow cast members from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, will be joined by WDC Chairman Cllr Alan Duce, along with some very special guests, live music and family entertainment before the official switch on at 6pm.

A special arts & craft fair takes place in the Britten Centre along with children’s rides and attractions in London Rd North and Town Centre car parks will be free on the night from 4pm.

In support of the festive campaign Waveney District Council have also agreed to make its car parks available free for late night shopping from 6pm on each Thursday in December and on Saturdays in December from 2pm.

In addition all day parking on Sunday’s will cost just £1.00! Town centre retailers are also backing the Journal’s Shop Local campaign, and there will be two extra late night shopping evenings for those hunting those last minute gifts on December 21 & 22.

A special family day will take place between 11am and 3pm on Saturday 18 December, guests will include local radio station, The Beach.

Town centre manager, Emma King said “We are delighted to announce details of our Christmas Lights Switch On event which this year will be bigger than ever, Lowestoft has so much to offer with over forty major retailers as well as independent stores and a host of cafes and restaurants in which weary shoppers can rest! This year we are pleased to welcome cast from the Marina Theatre pantomime, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs who will be leading the festive fun along with Rob & Chrissie from Heart and some very special surprise guests”.