R&B chart-topper Lemar will headline this year's Altrincham Christmas Lights Switch-On.

The singer, who had hits with If There's Any Justice and 50/50, will be joined by CBeebies star Katy Ashworth and Hits Radio's Mike Toolan.

The celebrations will take place on Saturday, November 16.

From midday, local schools and community choirs will take to the stage by Rackhams and Wilko with a festive musical build-up to the early evening switch-on event, which will start at 4.30pm.

Also this Christmas, Altrincham's Lantern Parade will take place on Saturday, December 7 and will have the theme 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.

Kate Gerbich, Events and Communications Manager for Altrincham BID, who are organising the switch-on, said: “We’re really excited about the line-up for the switch-on show and the new theme for the Lantern Parade.

"It’s great to be able to involve so many businesses, including Altrincham’s dance and music schools, in Altrincham’s Christmas activity and the performances by local primary and secondary school choirs and community choirs are always magical.

"We’d like to encourage visitors to come in and enjoy the events, and everything the town has to offer including fantastic high street experiences, restaurants, bars and shopping."

The Lantern Parade will start at 4pm from Goose Green and make its way through the town before ending at Stamford Square for the finale, a Christmas singalong with The Music Place at 4.45pm.

For those wishing to join the parade, there will be free lantern making workshops throughout the day at Treehouse on George Street. Places at the workshops can be reserved on Eventbrite.co.uk.

Other Christmas highlights include a pop-up Santa's Grotto every Saturday from November 16 to December 14 in different locations throughout the town.

Altrincham's Christmas lights are funded by local businesses and organised by Altrincham’s Business Improvement District.