POP stars and kids' TV favourites will help get the party started when Sheffield's Christmas officially begins with the big festive lights switch-on this Sunday.
Lights will be turned on across the city centre, including Fargate, The Moor and Orchard Square, with live music and a host of festive fun attractions.
Pop music fans can enjoy some of entertainment's biggest names on the Real Radio main stage in
Barker's Pool, opposite City Hall, where Little Boots and Beverley Knight will be performing their biggest hits.
Little Boots - real name Victoria Hesketh - has been a firm fixture in the Top 40 this year with songs such as Remedy and New In Town while soul singer Beverley has just released her seventh album, titled 100%, and won the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Act twice.
See Page 14 of The Star today for our Christmas Lights Switch On map.The fun kicks off on The Moor at midday, when Santa Claus and a team of huskies will be greeting young visitors.
Kids can also meet the popular TV characters Peppa Pig and Fireman Sam on the steps of Sheffield Town Hall, where they will be appearing regularly throughout the day.
Other attractions on The Moor include a live nativity play, snow machines, a giant snowman walking about, children's rides and a brass band playing carols.
A children's ski slope will also be set up in Millennium Square, where daring youngsters can try their hand at the winter sport, while the Peace Gardens will be home to characters from this year's Lyceum panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The Christmas tree lights in Orchard Square, where Escafeld Brass Band will be playing, will be switched on at 2pm by Sheffield Wednesday players Etienne Esajas and Leon Clarke. One lucky child will help the Owls players flick the switch - log on to www.orchardsquare.co.uk to enter the draw to be a VIP for the day.
An hour later the festive spotlight turns on The Moor where the lights will be switched on at 3pm. And Santa will be joining Lord Mayor Coun Graham Oxley on the Town Hall balcony to switch on Sheffield's lights at 5pm.
Other attractions running all day include arts and crafts activities and a toy fair in the Winter Garden, as well as fairground rides on Fargate and Pinstone Street.
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