A touch of the X Factor and plenty of glamour - as well as thousands of pounds of new lights - are in store as Dereham's Christmas celebrations kick off this weekend.

A touch of the X Factor and plenty of glamour - as well as thousands of pounds of new lights - are in store as Dereham's Christmas celebrations kick off this weekend.

Girl band EFX from Yarmouth - who won through to the X Factor boot camp and are on the next series of Britain's Got Talent - are among the acts which will be on stage during the switch-on ceremony on Sunday, which is expected to attract thousands to Dereham Market Place.

Singer Dale Bullymore, guitarist Curtis High and “showstopper” band Zoo will also be entertaining the crowds.

And the culmination of the afternoon - the switch-on at 4.30pm - will see Radio Broadland presenters Rob and Chrissie plus local model and actress Kerri Parker on the stage.

Kerri went to Neatherd High School and she won a contest to represent England in the Model of the Universe finals in Ghana, been in a number of films and had lots of covers of magazines all over the world.

She also has set up her own successful model academy.

Kerri will be joined by two of the models who are in the finals of a modelling contest she has organised - Carley Watts, a student nurse who also worked at Dereham Hospital, and Nicola Peck

Thousands of pounds has been spent on extra lights in the town centre and they will be “stupendous” and “absolutely stunning.”

The programme of entertainment will start at 2pm and be hosted by Radio Broadland presenter Gary Stevens. There will also be stalls and fun fair rides from 1pm. A Santa's grotto will be opened during the afternoon.

Dereham Christmas Lights Partnership chairman David Ovenden issued a rallying call to local people.

“Come along this Sunday to the Market Place and there's something for all the family to enjoy. It's a great day out and attracts some 3500 to 4000 people into the Market Place during the course of the afternoon, being the single biggest event organised in Dereham during the year.”

Committee member George Hayes added: “A big thank you to all those who have helped with organising the event, in particular to those companies, individuals and organisations who have donated money or gifts towards the lights and the other activities. A special thank you goes to the Dereham Town Council for providing investment in a complete new set of lights this year, the chamber of trade for a major contribution towards sponsoring the event, Breckland Council and Radio Broadland for organising and hosting the live entertainment.”

For more information contact Mr Hayes on 01362 695375 or e-mail; richard.dap@btopenworld.com