Where: Gloucester city centre

When: Sunday, November 17, 4.30pm onwards

Gloucester folk are preparing to get in the festive spirit as the city's Christmas lights are switched on this Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm.

The switch-on will be followed by a procession carrying the theme 'Pinocchio', which is this year's pantomime at Gloucester Guildhall.

Headed by Father Christmas, the procession will include civic leaders, the Town Crier, samba bands and local children carrying giant lanterns depicting the story.

Gloucester Cathedral is looking forward to celebrating the switch on of the Christmas lights and the start of the festive season at a special service on Sunday at 5pm. "This is the 10th anniversary service," explained the City Canon, Canon Nikki Arthy. "It's so popular and we are delighted that both the procession and the service have become such a Gloucester tradition.

"We are expecting many hundreds of people to gather in the Cathedral to sing carols and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas,"

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: "Only in Gloucester does the lantern parade for the switch on of the city's Christmas lights end up inside the Cathedral.

"This year we mark the 10th anniversary of the community coming together to share something very special."

The procession leaves from Blackfriars at 4.30pm, arriving at the Cathedral at 5pm. All are welcome.