X FACTOR star Jamie Archer will be switching on Rochdale's Christmas lights on Thursday.

It will be the afro-haired rock singer's first public appearance following his exit from the hit ITV show on Sunday night. Also due to appear are the group Alphabeat.

The event, which starts at 6pm on The Butts, will hosted by Ditchy and Salty from the Real Radio Breakfast Show.

It will also feature appearances by Rochdale AFC manager Keith Hill and his assistant Dave Flitcroft, the cast of award winning musical 'Rent' and Fizz from the Tweenies.

Mayor Councillor Keith Swift will kick off proceedings following a 'winter wonderland' parade which starts at the top of Yorkshire Street just before 6pm.

Town centre car parks are are free after 3pm.

Hundreds of schoolchildren are taking part in the parade alongside a steel band and street entertainers and Rochdale Council is advising people to arrive early.

Councillor Andrew Abbott, chairman of Rochdale Township said: "It's going to be a great night for all the family."

A number of bars and restaurants, including Bar 5, in South Parade, The Baum, in Toad Lane and China City, in Nelson Street are also doing special food offers on the night.