A musical extravaganza is set to greet the crowds who turn up to see a town centre's Christmas lights get switched on this weekend.

On Sunday Christmas officially arrives in Uxbridge, with an event not to be missed organised courtesy of the Uxbridge Initiative together with The Mall Pavilions and The Chimes shopping centres.

Dale Howard from Big Brother will have the happy task of throwing the switch and look out for the live performances by X Factor finalists HOPE and some fantastic local performers.

The whole event will be hosted by Westside 89.6FM breakfast crew -Andrew & Pandora.

The afternoon will kick off on stage in the town centre at 3pm with live music from up and coming local artists combining both dance and music. There will also be fun competitions and great prize giveaways.

From 4pm you can meet Big Brother hunk, Dale, who will be live on stage chatting to Westside followed by a live performance from HOPE at 4.15pm.

The day ends with Dale turning on the lights at 4.30pm and signalling the start of the festive season.

Rock band the Scapegoats start the extravaganza at 3pm and will be followed by R&B artist Demah who is only 17 years old and has been working hard on his new album.

Young Archie Assignment is a sensational new urban music group which will be followed by a performance from Futunity Dance Group the young dynamic dance group specialising in dance teaching and sport specific coaching for the community.

John Palmer, general manager of The Mall Pavilions said: "The town centre light switch on is one of the highlights of the local calendar and this year we're very excited to have both Dale and HOPE to add some spice to the proceedings!"

Michelle Moffitt, marketing manager at The Chimes Shopping Centre said: "We are thrilled with our new Christmas launch line up and hope all our loyal customers will enjoy the festivities organised.

"We believe with 175 stores across both The Chimes & The Mall Pavilions plus the high street, Uxbridge really is a great place to come for all of your Christmas shopping - let Christmas begin!"