Rotherham Christmas lights switch on 2017 - Everything you need to know

Father Christmas, Rotherham African Drummers and former X-Factor contestants Yes Lad will all perform at the event in All Saints’ Square from 4.30pm.

Yes Lad  are a five-piece vocal harmony band from Manchester who made it through to the judge’s houses stage of the talent competition 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 will bring music and comedy to the stage, and there will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas, accompanied by the Rotary Club of Rotherham Sitwell.

At 6pm, the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenan 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.

People attending the event will also be able to pick up copies of this week's Advertiser from our stall.