THOUSANDS of people are expected to travel to Cheshire Oaks tonight for its annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

The shopping parking will kick off the festive season with its iconic Christmas light switch-on event, featuring the return of Europe’s largest walk-in artificial Christmas tree and the Christmas corner.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Snowman, guests can enjoy a live orchestra performance of the film, followed by a magical musical fireworks show.

Join Leanne and Dave from the Radio City Breakfast Show from 6:00pm as McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks gear up to switch on 100,000 twinkling lights across the centre.

Chester theatre school, The Hammond, will warm up the audience with a carol recital at 6:30pm, featuring a solo performance from the 2016 Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Beau Dermott.

Carrot Productions will kick off the main event at 7pm by bringing to life a screening of the iconic Christmas film; The Snowman with a live orchestra. Nine-year-old Harry Small, from Knutsford in Cheshire, has been picked to sing the legendary ‘Walking in the Air’ from the film in front of the thousands of visitors.

Following this, Firework champions Blitz will commence the light switch-on at 7:30pm with an explosive 8 minute musical firework display to light up the centre with a bang. It is sure to be a dazzling evening, not to be missed.

This Christmas, Cheshire Oaks will be supporting Autism Together. The centre’s renowned walk-in Christmas tree will be staffed by local volunteers and although entrance is free, a recommended donation of £1 is suggested to support the charity’s fantastic work. As part of this partnership, the centre will host an Autism friendly ‘tea with Santa’ on the 4th December at 5pm in Café Rouge. Tickets are available on the Cheshire Oaks website.