GET ready for the lights, prepare the camera and enjoy the action as south Essex prepares to be lit up for Christmas.

Festive spirit will be overflowing across towns and villages as organisers plan the finishing touches to their Christmas launches.

Southend Business Improvement District (Bid) promises a galaxy of stars from the world of entertainment.

Heading the cast will be Martin Day and Su Harrison who brightened the mornings of thousands of people throughout Essex for almost two decades.

They will be re-uniting for the annual Big Switch On event, on Saturday, November 16.

The fun begins with arts and crafts in the Royals and Victoria shopping centres at 11am.

From midday presenters from BBC Essex will introduce a terrific line-up of local talent on the Visit Southend stage in Royals Square.

At 1pm, another local radio legend, Dom Atkins, presents a jam-packed programme of entertainment, before handing the mic’ to Martin and Su at 4.30pm.

Joining them for the build-up to flicking the switch that sparks the High Streets famous illuminations into dazzling life, will be Eastenders’ Ricky Champ - who plays Stuart Highway - and The Voice sensation, Sarah Tucker whose version of Shawn Mendes’ song In My Blood had Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Jones and Will.i.am all spinning their chairs and inviting the Leigh mum-of-two to join their team.

The lights are due to be turned on at about 7.30pm.

Basildon will also be getting into the Christmas spirit with events on Saturday, including a firework display, ice rink, Bavarian food court, Santa’s grotto and much more.

Activities will run from 10am to 6pm across the town from Eastgate, Basildon Market, and Town Square all the way to St Martin’s Square. The whole day will be filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Councillor David Harrison said: “Basildon at Christmas is set to be a day to remember with a firework display to round it off.

“There’s a busy schedule of activities with something for everyone.

“It’s not every day that you get a Bavarian food court, live performances and a firework display all in one day. Come to Basildon town centre and get in the festive spirit.”

The opening of the ice rink will be accompanied by the St Luke’s Choir and the fireworks display will round off the day.

Santa’s Grotto at Basildon market, the ice rink and food court will be open from 10am until 6pm.

St Martin’s Church will host a Christmas bazaar from 10.30am to 2.30pm and from midday a second grotto will open at Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Carols in the cafe will be sang by Basildon Operatic Society from 3pm at Towngate Theatre’s cafe with live entertainment continuing there and on stage in St Martin’s Square.

Entertainment includes Ryedene Primary School choir. La Danse Fantastique, 11-year-old singing sensation Gracie Mae and much more.

The fireworks display will be at 6pm in St Martin’s Square. The events are made even more special as they are part of Basildon 70 celebrations.

Leigh Lights will follow later on in the month with pre parade fun from 4pm on Friday, November 29, at Leigh Community Centre.The yuletide parade sets off from Kings Road at 6.30pm, travelling along Leigh Road, Broadway and finishing in Broadway West around 7.30pm.

There are various street performers, stalls and staging areas around the town to enjoy too. The Leigh shops are encouraged to get involved and organise their own entertainment as well. If you would like to be involved in this year’s event please contact council@leighonseatowncouncil.gov.uk