Comedian Dom Joly will be flicking the switch at this year's Christmas lights ceremony in Cirencester. The TV prankster, who lives near Lechlade, will be the star attraction during an all-day Advent Market on Saturday, November 26.

All the usual entertainments are being planned for the annual festival, which in recent years has proved to be an extremely popular family event. And Cirencester Chamber of Commerce is hoping Dom will follow in the footsteps of glamorous Elizabeth Hurley and Melinda Messenger and pull in the crowds for another year.

Like last year's Advent Market there will be a Farmers' Market in the morning, so shoppers can stock up on traditional festive food. And visitors can expect the usual festive fun throughout the day, with various market stalls selling seasonal goodies and some late night shopping.

The main stage will once again be used for community events, including bags of performances from local schools and organisations.

During the evening Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra at the parish church give a concert featuring performances of Rossinni's Overture from the Barber of Seville, Hely-Hutchinson's A Carol Symphony, Bizet's Jeux d'Enfants and Prokoviev's Peter and the Wolf, which will be narrated by John Telfer, better known as the Vicar of Ambridge from Radio 4's The Archers.

Tickets are priced £9 and £7 for concessions (under 18s go free) are available from Cirencester Visitor Centre at the Corn Hall.

It is the orchestra's first Cirencester performance in its 104-year history. As usual, Santa will be in his grotto and weather predictions also indicate there will be snow on the day.

o Cirencester Advent Market is held on Saturday, November 26 from 10am. For a full programme and map see the Standard on Thursday, November 24.