DUBSTEP duo MK1 are to appear alongside nineties pop sensation Steps to turn on Yate’s Christmas lights next week.

The pair, Charlie Rundle and Simeon Dixon, were recently eliminated from the X Factor competition and are currently in the middle of their ‘Anybody Out There?’ national tour.

They will perform on a specially-erected stage in Four Seasons Square during Yate Shopping Centre’s Christmas lights switch-on event on Thursday, November 15 at 5.40pm. Five-piece pop band Steps, made up of Lisa Scott-Lee, Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Lee Latchford-Evans, and Ian "H" Watkins, will then take to the stage at 6.15pm.

Both bands will then reappear at around 6.40pm to turn on the centre’s festive lights and officially launch the town’s countdown to Christmas.

Tracy King, Yate Shopping Centre marketing manager, said: "MK1 and Steps is a formidable line-up and will give a real buzz to the evening. "With the wide range of artists appearing, there will be music for all tastes and a great way to kick-off the Christmas festivities."

The musical entertainment will commence at 3pm with a much-loved Calypso band performing festive tunes, followed by a variety of local acts including ABBA tribute band ABBA Vision.

The evening musical extravaganza is part of a two-day Christmas bonanza with a family fun day also being held this Saturday, November 17.

From 12noon the shopping centre will host a three-hour Christmas party where children can see Santa arrive on several pantomime ponies. There will also be stilt walkers, balloon modelling, activities including making your own Christmas crackers, face painting, roller skating and a fun fair.

For further details visit www.yateshoppingcentre.co.uk