SOME of the borough's best bands, school choirs, as well as actors performing a scene from Cinderella will be among the entertainment at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre’s Christmas Lights switch on.

The fun begins at 2pm before a young guest of honour turns them on with the help of Father Christmas at 6pm on November 20. The centre is looking for someone to be that VIP who will be the first to meet Father Christmas and will enjoy a meal for six at Caribbean-themed restaurant Turtle Bay.

The switch-on will follow popular bands from the borough, such as Tailormade and Polar Collective and choirs from Alec Reed Academy, Fielding Primary and other schools.

Fake snow falling from the sky, a gift market and decorations by James Glancy Design, the people behind the Regents Street Christmas lights in central London, will also get people in the festive mood.

Santa's taxi at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre

Before the lights can be lit up, a VIP under 12 has to be found to switch them on. The winner will be joined by three friends who will enjoy dinner at Turtle Bay afterwards accompanied by two adults.

Lucy Thomas, Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre marketing manager, said: “We want to keep the local community at the forefront of our Christmas celebrations.”

To enter the competition, create a design for Father Christmas’s taxi which this year will look like a reindeer. The winning design will be displayed in the centre.  

The picture can be drawn by hand or a computer and must be uploaded to the centre’s Facebook page by November 14.

Visit www.ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk to find out more.