ACTRESS and comedian Debra Stephenson will turn on the Christmas lights in Westbourne next month.

The former Coronation Street star will switch on the illuminations on Saturday, December 3 at 4.30pm joined by the mayor and mayoress of Bournemouth.

The event will kick off the Westbourne Christmas Festival which takes place every Saturday in December and is being run by Westbourne Business Association in partnership with Bournemouth Coastal BID.

Read more: What's on this Christmas season in BCP area and beyond

Fiona McArthur from Bournemouth Coastal BID said: “This festival in Westbourne is one of many things we will be supporting across our areas in the run-up to Christmas.

“Every Saturday in December there will be story telling at 10.30am and live music all afternoon.

“The Thursday late night shopping is sponsored by Midas Prosecco – a locally-owned prosecco company - and there will be free popcorn and pizza.

“Traders will be collecting food and clothing for Hope for Food and all donations are welcome.”

Read more: Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 2022: what's on where

During the festival, there will be story-telling and live music while the shops, many of them independent, will offer a variety of wares.

Bars, pubs, cafes and coffee shops will be open to welcome the visitors who can also take advantage of late-night shopping on Thursdays.

There will also be a £100 prize draw every week, visit www.westbournechristmas.com