THIS year's Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a star-studded event for all the family .

The city will be illuminated by the cast of the Alban Arena pantomime Aladdin, including Big Brother's Michelle Bass and Jamie Rickers of GMTV fame.

St Albans Mayor Gordon Myland will be joining the cast to flick the switch at 5.30pm on Sunday, November 28, in Market Place.

Scooby-Doo will also be on stage before the lights go on as well as making appearances in the Maltings shopping centre at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Festivities will be rolling throughout the day, including a children's fairground starting at 11am.

Marco's magic and illusion show will kick off on the stage in Market Place at 2.30pm followed by music from Front Cover.