BUSINESSES have joined together to come up with an evening of entertainment to mark the festive countdown.

Newcastle's Christmas lights will be switched on next Wednesday, November 30.

Perry Spiller and Louise Stones from Signal 1 will perform the countdown outside the Guildhall at 6.30pm.

Simon the Clown will be out and about between 3pm and 6pm helping children get to grips with balloon modelling while fairground attractions in the Ironmarket open at 4.30pm. There will also be a charity market, an owl display and a Santa's grotto.

Young actors from the New Vic Theatre will perform a festive theatre piece at the Lancaster Building between 5pm and 7pm.

Andrew Rosser, president of Newcastle Chamber of Trade and Enterprise, said: "The lights switch-on is very much a family event and it puts Newcastle firmly on the map for shoppers."