Starting at 6pm, children from two local primary schools - Millington and Birches - will sing Christmas carols as the countdown gets underway, with Santa scheduled to arrive in good time to assist Craigavon Mayor, Alderman Sydney Anderson, flick the switch at 7pm.

Fifteen minutes prior to that, Santa will be leaving his High Street Mall grotto, where he took up residence yesterday (Thursday, November 13).

The highlight of his short journey to and from the switch-on dais will be a lattern parade featuring children from Seagoe Youth Group, Ashgrove Pre-School Nursery, Goal Line Youth and Messy Mitts.

The compere at next Friday night’s switch-on will be Mr Snowman, who, in his bid to keep the crowds entertained, will be helped by DJ Barry.

music

And following the 7pm switch-on, there will be live music by The Mark Ferguson Band.

With the town centre stores remaining open for late-night Friday trading in the build-up to Christmas, the organisers’ hope is that shoppers will avail of this extension in normal hours.