EastEnders star Jake Wood will switch on this year’s Christmas lights in St Albans.

The city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland of entertainment for all the family on Sunday, November 15.

Among the attractions are live music, gift stalls, a pop-up snowglobe photo studio, glow-in-the-dark face painting, Santa’s Grotto, food and drink stands and a funfair.

Jake, who plays Max Branning in EastEnders, is playing Captain Hook in this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Peter Pan.

He will be joined on stage by other cast members, including Bob Golding.

Cllr Gaygusuz said: “This is going to be an amazing event to get Christmas off to a magical start in St Albans and the district.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to sample what will be a cracking atmosphere. There’s a fantastic range of entertainment – something for all the family.

“I will be helping Jake, Bob and the other stars from this year’s Alban Arena panto switch on the lights.

“It will be one of the highlights of my year.”

The event will begin with live music from 12noon until 6pm on two stages, one at the taxi rank near Beech House and a bandstand outside of Clinton Cards.

Christmas tree lights bought by the crowd-funding campaign Light Up St Albans will be turned on at 4.30pm and the Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm Community station 92.6FM Radio Verulam will broadcast the event live from the main stage.

Peter Pan opens at the Alban Arena on Friday, December 4 and will runs until Sunday, January 3.