Stars of Shrewsbury’s latest pantomime will be on stage to switch on the town’s Christmas lights later this year.

Organisers today revealed that the illuminations switch-on will take place at 6.30pm on November 19, to coincide with the first formal late-night shopping event of the festive season in the town.

And they have promised a variety of entertainment to ensure a fun-filled event for all the family.

Jon King, spokesman for Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, said the town’s festive season would also continue with the annual Carols in the Square event which this year will be held on December 17.

He said the festive season would kick off in style with the switch-on of the Christmas lights in November.

“It will be a pretty entertaining night and as usual a great family event in Shrewsbury,” he said.

In addition to the stars of the pantomime being on stage for the switch-on, there will also be entertainment and appearances by personalities from Severn Radio who will be compering the event.

Meanwhile, High Street and Shoplatch will be closed on three upcoming Sundays to enable the lights to be put up. Both roads will be closed on October 12, 19 and 26.

Any through traffic will be diverted onto the Town Walls route, however emergency access will be maintained to High Street.