BOLTON's Christmas lights switch-on will be a four-hour programme of entertainment on Sunday.

Comedian Ted Robbins, who played Peter Kay's arch enemy Den Perry in Phoenix Nights, will switch on the lights at 6pm.

But a host of top acts including American band Orson and Justin Moorhouse from Key 103 and Phoenix Nights will also be on hand.

Moorhouse kicks off the start of the show at 4pm with former Coronation Street actress Casey Lee Jolley's Dance Academy showing off their skills from 4.05pm until 4.15pm.

Activ8, from the Octagon Theatre, will then take to tstage before performances from BL7 and Bolton Children's Workshop at 4.40pm.

Ten minutes later, the Reverand Phil Mason will deliver a Christmas Message in conjunction with the Bolton Hospice Light Up a Life Campaign.

At 5pm, pint-sized pop star Lil' Chris, who shot to fame on Channel 4's Rock School and who appeared on BBC 3's Celebrity Scissorhands, will sing. He is likely to include his debut single, Checking it Out which was released last year and went to number three in the charts. He also supported McFly on their Up Close and Personal tour.

The Reebok Rebels will take over at 5.15pm just as the parade with the Mayor and Father Christmas sets off from Churchgate.

With the Albert Halls Panto case appearing at 5.25pm and Lofty the Lion popping onm stage at 5.36pm, the parade will finally find its way to Victoria Square for 5.40pm.

At 5.50pm Los Angeles band Orson will deliver their catchy power pop and provide the soundtrack to the switch-on celebrations in Victoria Square.

The band, who uprooted to the UK in early 2006 when their debut single, No Tomorrow, topped the singles chart, will also perform hits from their new album.

Comedian Ted Robbins will then switch on the lights. Entertaiment including a puppet show, nativity tableau and Christmas craft activities.

At 6.30pm, however, an evening of family entertainment at Victoria Hall will be held with organisers promising Christmas craft activities and the chance for children to have their photograph taken with Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion and Father Christmas.

Children from St George's School in Westhoughton will also present a nativity play.

A singalong is scheduled at the end of the night and refreshments will be on sale.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and the event will end at 8pm.