Pop star Pixie Lott to switch on Sunderland's Christmas lights

The star will be heading to the city and will be performing a number of her best loved songs as part of the official launch of Christmas on November 23.

The Mama Do singer, who was a judge on television’s The Voice and has appeared in a number of West End shows, will be taking to the stage at Keel Square where she will join Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Doris MacKnight, for the switch on.

The performance – which will take place at 6pm – is one of a whole host of events planned for the city’s Christmas festivities.

A range of community entertainment will begin from 4.30pm, supporting the NSPCC and its Light Up Christmas for Children Campaign.

The Sky Cinema Bus will also be at Park Lane throughout the day, showing a range of Disney short films for all the family.

Street food stalls offering everything from authentic pizzas to Mexican favourites will also be found at High Street West, where the ice rink will be open for the first time.

The evening coincides with the launch of arts hub, The Fire Station, which will not only stage a unique performance piece but will also play host to a pyrotechnics

display at 6.45pm.

"We have been working all year on ensuring that Christmas in Sunderland is going to be absolutely fantastic,” said Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland Business Improvement District.

"We have worked closely with Sunderland City Council and a number of other partners to bring together what promises to be a truly amazing start to the festive season.

"We’re also very grateful to Sun FM for securing a star of the calibre of Pixie Lott to get the event under way."