Cast members from this year's pantomime Peter Pan, including former S-Club 7 singer John Lee and local funnyman Steve Furst, will be turning on the lights at 6.30pm.

But the entertainment starts earlier with a roadshow and live music from a stage in Queens Square from 5pm.

After the switch-on, a firework display will light up the night sky.
Gill Brett, centre co-ordinator, said: "Everyone is invited to come along and join in the party atmosphere, especially if they want to wear fancy dress."

Priory Meadow's grotto will be open as a Treasure Trove from 6.30pm when youngsters can find golden coins to win 25 pairs of tickets to see Peter Pan at the White Rock Theatre, which starts on December 10.
Santa Claus is to arrive at the grotto at a special ceremony next Thursday (November 27) at 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Hastings Borough Council is spending £12,000 on Christmas lights this year - less than many other towns in Sussex.

A council spokesman said: "We have a pot of £12,000 which is split between the main shopping areas of Hastings and St Leonards and the arrangement that we have is that traders match fund the amounts we offer.

"We are fortunate that for Hastings town centre the Rotary Club and Priory Meadow provide decorations, trees and lighting."