THIS year's Christmas lights switch on and Advent Festival in Cirencester promises to be the best yet - with a big surprise in store.

The event in Market Place this Saturday will be a full afternoon and evening of fun, with live music and celebrations from 1pm onwards, before TV star Nigel Havers switches on the lights at 6.30pm.

And this year there is set to be a big surprise - with the organisers tight-lipped about exactly what it is.

There will also be a change in the style of lights, with more colours on display.

"We are delighted that Nigel Havers is turning on the lights this year," said festival organiser Mark Harris.

"Over the years, we have had some wonderful celebrities doing the honours and this is no exception."

Mark, who is deputy mayor of the town, added: "It's not just a much-loved celebrity that members of the public can enjoy. The town council is also planning a new Christmas lighting scheme for the town.

"We have taken on board the comments of members of the public that the 'white light' scheme is a bit sterile and, so we are planning to change the lights this year to make it more aesthetically pleasing and less stark."