This is when Sunderland Christmas lights and Sunderland illuminations will be switched on

The city centre event will be held on Thursday, November 21, when Cinderella and Prince Charming join mayor Councillor David Snowdon to press the big button in Keel Square, with the party to start from 6pm.

It is part of a wider festive programme, including the Festival of Light, which has previously been held in Roker Park and is making the move to Mowbray Park in the city centre and will be launched on the same evening.

Ahead of that night, the seafront illuminations will be turned on from Friday, November 15, and will also take in Dame Dorothy Street and for this year the Wearmouth Bridge, marking 90 years since it was opened.

Sunderland City Council has said the lighting features on the bridge will be temporary until January, but some will be permanent and can be used year-round.

Roadside lights on the seafront will be lit up, but no additional activities will be held at the seafront.

Instead the Festival of Light will see Mowbray Park be filled with displays and will run every Thursday to Sunday until Sunday, December 22.

Also ready to launch on November 21 is the Keel Square Ice Rink and Hadrian’s Tipi, which is planned for part of the former Crowtree Leisure Centre site, which will be open from 4pm.

The line up for the Christmas switch-on was confirmed by Sunderland City Council, with Empire Theatre cast members from this year’s Cinderella show to play a leading role in the night.

Gemma Naylor, who appears in Nick Jnr's Go! Go! Go!, has taken on the title part in the show, and Prince Charming, played by ITV’s Superstars finalist Jon Moses, will appear, with Sun FM’s Simon Grundy and Lauren McLeish to help entertain the crowd.

A firework display will be the grand finale of the evening.

Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Snowdon said: "Our annual Christmas Lights Switch On is a wonderful feel-good, family event that allows the city to come together and officially start the countdown to Christmas.

"What’s more exciting this year is that there is so much to see and do in the city centre. We would encourage visitors to plan ahead so they can enjoy everything that Christmas in Sunderland has to offer."

The Wearmouth Bridge is also due to be lit up after the council sought planning permission for lighting to mark 90 years since it was opened.

That had been due to start on Monday, October 14, and run through until January 10, 2020.

For further information on the Christmas Lights Switch On and Christmas in Sunderland visit www.christmasinsunderland.co.uk.