CIRENCESTER’S Christmas lights will be switched on this weekend.

Lisa Maxwell who played Detective Inspector Samantha Nixon in the ITV1 drama The Bill between 2002 and 2009 will be flicking the switch in Cirencester Market Place on Saturday as part of the Cirencester Sparkles Advent Festival.

Included in the event will be live entertainment, fairground rides, interactive games, food and sweet sensations.

A Christmas Farmers’ Market will also be held that morning from 8.30am to midday.

Drivers will be able to enjoy free parking in all Cotswold District Council car parks and the Market Place will be closed to traffic from 9am to 9pm.

The day will culminate at 6.30pm with the Christmas light switch on and a fireworks bonanza.