Town centre's Christmas kick off will have the X-Factor

The lights switch-on will take place in All Saints’ Square from 4.30pm on Thursday, November 16.      

Yes Lad (pictured) are a five-piece vocal harmony band from Manchester who made it through to the judge’s houses stage of The X-Factor last year and are now under the wing of Take That’s former manager Nigel Martin Smith.

Other artists appearing on stage include dance music artist Soraya Vivian and Blues Brothers tribute act Bruvvas Blue. 

The cast of this year’s Civic Theatre pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk are will bring music and comedy to the stage, and will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas, accompanied by the Rotary Club of Rotherham Sitwell.

Rotherham African Drummers will get the evening off to a lively start with their dazzling beats and rhythms.   

And at 6pm, the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenanl and her Consort, Mr Pat Keenan and their family members, will press the button to light up the town for the festive season.

 There will be a market and children's rides situated along Effingham Street.

Rotherham Borough Council’s Cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “This magical evening is one that everyone in Rotherham looks forward to. 

“The lights switch-on is a fantastic family occasion with lots of fun, live entertainment, comedy and a great sense of delight as the town centre's lights are switched on for the Christmas season.”

Parking is free from 4pm in all council-owned car parks and on-street parking bays (maximum stay still applies).

Customers using Wellgate multi-storey car park will be provided with a ticket at the barrier but will not be charged on leaving. 

The car park will be locked at 10pm rather than 7pm.

There will be other festive town centre-treats in the run-up to Christmas every Saturday during December from 10.30am to 3.30pm, with Festive Wonderland on December 2, A Victorian Christmas on December 9 and Magical Reindeer Experience on December 16.