Black Cat footballers and Emmerdale actors complete 'all-star' line up at Sunderland Christmas lights switch-on

Black Cats stars, Wilson Isidor, Chris Rigg and Aaron Connolly will help Sunderland switch on its Christmas Lights this Thursday, November 21.

Women's team players Eleanor Dale and Ellen Jones are also putting in a special appearance at the Sunderland Christmas Switch-On in Keel Square.

While Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden, Miss Rory and Tom Whalley, who are all in this year's Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Sunderland Empire, complete the all-star line-up.

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They will join the Mayor of Sunderland Cllr Allison Chisnall and Hits Radio's Steve and Karen to turn on the Christmas lights. A firm favourite in Sunderland's events calendar, the switch-on traditionally kicks off the city's countdown to Christmas.

Plans for the night were revealed last month - with entertainment getting underway from 5.30pm, complete with music and cartoon characters doing walkabouts, including everyone's favourite ogre, Shrek also putting in an appearance before Santa gets up on stage to join in the fun and games to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

From 6pm onwards, Hits Radio's breakfast show hosts Steve and Karen take to the stage to get the party started, with a host of festive hits and sparkling entertainment, including the chance to win tickets for this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Sunderland Empire.

Karen said: "We are honoured to, once again, be asked to host this great event in the heart of Sunderland. We’ve got an exciting hour of free, festive, family fun lined up before we do the big switch on with our special guests. Come down and enjoy what will be a great night. Steve and I would love to see you all."

The Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall will then be joined by Steve and Karen, the SAFC players and panto stars for the grand switch on at 7pm.

Councillor Chisnall, said: "Christmas is always such a special time of year. The annual Christmas Switch-On marks the start of the city's countdown to the big day. It's something that families from across Sunderland and beyond really look forward to each year.

"And I'm delighted to have both Blacks Cats players and panto stars from this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto joining us for the switch-on too. I know they'll help to make the event all the more special for everyone coming along.

"We’ve got a fantastic programme of entertainment lined up for this year's event so it should be a brilliant night and what better way to start the festive season."

The launch of Christmas has been organised by Sunderland City Council and supported by Sunderland BID and Hits Radio (formerly Metro Radio). Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), said: "The Christmas light switch on signals the start of a really important period for businesses in the city centre.

"There are so many great venues, wonderful retailers and fabulous events in the city centre that can be visited and enjoyed. We hope to see lots of people join us at the light switch on and then to come back and do their shopping and enjoy the season in the city."

To find out more about the Christmas Switch on, visit here. Please note SAFC players are subject to change.