The festive countdown will officially begin today as the town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Romford Recorder: Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market.Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market. (Image: Archant)

The Voice’s Lydia Lucy and X Factor’s Che Chesterman will line up at the event, which runs from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, when the lights will be turned on by Santa and Mrs Claus.

Sponsored by Time 107.5 FM, it will take place at the Market Place from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

The festivities will include performances from The Voice’s Lydia Lucy and X Factor’s Che Chesterman.

And for youngsters, Sid & Scrat from the Ice Age films will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.

Join presenter Mark Dover from Time to marvel at the antics of Bruce Airhead as he disappears into a balloon, and get a sneak preview of this year’s Queen’s Theatre panto Cinderella.

Hundreds turned out for the event last year, with performances from singer Amy Harman and choir Gospel Essence.

At 6.30pm join Santa and Mrs Claus as they light up the town and the sky with a spectacular firework display.

The evening will launch a programme of events in Romford town centre, including festive markets and more in the pop-up events space in the market place.

The switch-on will kick off a range of festive activities in the countdown to Christmas.

For the full list of what’s happening around the borough, click here.