THE countdown to the great Ely Christmas lights switch-on has begun. This year, the lights are set to shine from tomorrow (Friday) and will set the town glowing in time for some serious Christmas shopping. An open-top bus, a snow machine, stalls and a f

THE countdown to the great Ely Christmas lights switch-on has begun.

This year, the lights are set to shine from tomorrow (Friday) and will set the town glowing in time for some serious Christmas shopping.

An open-top bus, a snow machine, stalls and a funfair will entertain crowds from 4pm, and this year the lights will spread further than ever - all around the city centre as far as Forehill, High Street and Market Square.

No Christmas event would be complete without Father Christmas in his grotto, while children from local schools entertain with carols and dance troupes conjure up the wonder of the festive season.

Armfuls of prizes will be auctioned on the main stage by Star Radio's Mark Peters, with help from Liam Fairhurst.

Cllr Nora Covell, technical guru and fund-raiser behind Ely City Council's Christmas lights team said: "The lights will be switched on by the mayor, Ron Bradney, and Liam, at 6.30pm.

"It's a wonderful start to the Christmas season and a great event for all the family that makes all of the work behind the scenes worthwhile.