THE countdown to Christmas is on in Carlisle.

And council chiefs are promising a sprinkling of celebrity sparkle to kick-start a festive feast of events.

With just under two months to go until the big day, the city's Christmas calendar is taking shape.

A series of events are planned that community leaders hope will spread some seasonal cheer - as well as boost the economy as shops gear up to cash in on what's traditionally the busiest time of the year.

Festivities will kick-start with the annual Christmas lights switch-on in the city centre, on Sunday November 19.

The headline celebrity acts will be announced soon.

But the event is also being billed as a showcase for local talent, with up-and-coming performers joining community groups and city personalities.

Among the acts down to appear already are Stevie D’s Faith, The Lakes Choir - Stagecoach Performing Arts; Kira Tickner; Carlisle Dance Academy and Stanwix Primary School

The afternoon’s entertainment will also include a ‘stars of the future’ line up, including Jack Rose; Nathan Grisdale, Joseph and Thomas Teago.

The switch-on is organised by Carlisle City Council, which is spearheading a range of seasonal showcases, which they hope will encourage people to shop local and help the area's financial fortunes.

Other initiatives include Christmas markets and the incentive of free parking in council-run car parks on late-night shopping Thursdays in November and December.

Councillor Anne Quilter, who holds the authority's culture, heritage and leisure brief, said: "The Christmas Lights Switch On is a great showcase for celebrity performers and local talent.

"The ‘stars of the future’ line up will be an opportunity to showcase up and coming entertainers. The event is not to be missed."

Entertainment will be staged between 2pm and 5.30pm.

Events will centre on a stage outside the Old Town Hall.

Thousands-strong crowds traditionally turn out to see the switch-on, with Carlisle singer Matt Pagan headlining last year's event, as part of his Britain's Got Talent-winning group Collabro.

Mayor of Carlisle Trish Vasey will flick the switch on a galaxy of lights at 5pm.