CHRISTMAS lights in Dursley will be switched on by actor Craig Parkinson on Friday.

Well-known for his role as DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan in the BBC Two series Line of Duty, he has also featured in Whitechapel, Misfits and the films Four Lions, The Unloved and Ghosted.

He will be assisted by special guests Jon Martin and Noreen Jaafar whose Dursley Treehouse featured in Grand Designs.

Additional entertainment at the event will be provided by Rednock Rock Band, the Dursley C of E Primary Academy Choir and Inclusion.

The switch-on countdown will take place at 5:30pm by the town’s real Christmas tree, located on the pedestrian area between Bennett Jones and Barclays Bank.

This year WSP Solicitors, Tree Management and Wotton Tarpaving have sponsored and install our real Christmas Tree in the Town Centre.

Following last year’s successful display, fireworks will again feature following the main switch-on before the arrival of Father Christmas and the start of the lantern parade at 5.45pm.

The Lions Club of Dursley have sponsored battery-operated tea lights for the lanterns which will be given out from Simply Foot Care for the parade.

Stalls will be open from 4.30pm and many of the town’s shops will stay open later than usual. Hot food will also be available.

Fairground rides and entertainment will once again be offered.

Visitors are invited to help create a ‘Victorian’ atmosphere in the town by getting into character and costume for the evening whilst shops will also be adorned with themed displays.

As part of the event, Parsonage Street will be closed to all vehicles between 2pm and 10pm and Castle Street car park will be closed to all vehicles between 1pm and 10pm.