Christmas lights switch-ons across the North West

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in north-west England, as towns and cities in the region light up for the festive season.

As the countdown to 25 December begins, cities and towns across the region have set the date to switch on their Christmas lights, marking the start of the yuletide festivities.

Below are confirmed details of when and where events are taking place locally.

Southport: The annual ceremony takes place on Saturday 7 November, with free entertainment outside The Grand and performances from Regally Royal Parties from 16:00 GMT.

Huyton: The Christmas lights switch-on will take place in the village centre from 15:00 to 19:00 on Friday 13 November.

Prescot: The Christmas lights switch-on will take place in the town centre from 15:00 until 19:00 on Saturday 14 November.

Kirkby: The Christmas lights switch-on will take place in the town centre from 16:30 to 19:30 on Friday 20 November.

Manchester: There will not be an official Christmas lights switch-on in Manchester, but the lights will be turned on across the city on Friday 6 November.

Bury: The Rock Shopping Centre is marking its 15th year with a new tradition - its first Christmas parade and lights switch-on, on Saturday 7 November. Festivities start from 16:00 where visitors are asked to meet for the parade.

Oldham: The Christmas lights switch-on will be held on Saturday 14 November, starting with meet and greets with Peppa Pig, appearances from Oldham's mascots and activities by the Spindles Kids Club from 13:00. Celebrations will feature Father Christmas, Peppa Pig's Dance Party, Oldham Rock Choir and performances from Fierce Dance, followed by fireworks and a lights and laser show from 17:30.

Tameside: The Northern Lights Lantern Parade in Ashton returns on Saturday 14 November, setting off at 17:00 and wrapping up with a festive light switch-on at about 18:30.

Stockport: More than 200 performers and 50 free shows are set to take over the town centre on Sunday 15 November from 12:00 to 17:00, followed by a parade featuring more than 100 drummers, with the Christmas lights switch-on at 16:45.

Rochdale: The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Sunday 22 November at 17:30 in front of the town hall following a countdown. Ignite Fire Festival continues opposite Rochdale Town Hall until 20:00.

Burnley: Enjoy a variety of activities from 12:00 on St James's Street. The magical lantern parade starts at about 16:00, followed by the lights switch-on at 17:00, on Saturday 14 November.

Darwen: The Christmas lights switch-on will be held at Darwen Market Square on Saturday 14 November. The timings have not yet been confirmed.

West Lancashire: Lighting up the festive season first will be Skelmersdale on Sunday 15 November at 17:00, followed by Ormskirk on Sunday 22 November, also at 17:00. Street performers, charity stalls, fairground rides and artisan market stalls will also be on hand to sprinkle some Christmas magic for all ages to enjoy earlier in the day.

Preston: The Christmas lights switch-on event returns to the Flag Market, with East 17 headlining an evening of live music and entertainment on Saturday 21 November from 17:30.

Leyland: Singer-songwriter Aston Merrygold will be turning on Leyland's Christmas lights on Saturday 28 November, at 17:30 on Hough Lane. The Christmas markets will open at 12:00, with stage entertainment from 13:30.

Lancaster: The Christmas lights switch-on will be held on Sunday 29 November. The timings have not yet been confirmed.

Wilmslow: The countdown to flip the switch on Wilmslow's Christmas lights begins at 17:00 on Saturday 21 November. The markets will open from 10:00 on Alderley Road with on-stage entertainment from 13:30.

Sandbach: The Christmas lights switch-on will be held on Saturday 28 November from 15:00 to 18:00 on the Cobbles.

Crewe: The build-up to Crewe's Christmas lights switch-on begins at 14:00 on Saturday 28 November.

New details of other Christmas lights switch-ons can be emailed to northwestonline@bbc.co.uk.

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