EXCITEMENT is building as Bradford gets ready for Christmas.

Decorations are being placed around the city centre in preparation for the festive season.

Famous names will be appearing at The Broadway shopping centre tomorrow, with thousands expected to turn out for the lights switch-on.

The lights will be switched on tomorrowThe lights will be switched on tomorrow (Image: Newsquest)

Timings released for The Broadway's Festive Launch

The timings have been released for The Broadway's Festive Launch.

The free event will last over six hours, running from 12pm until the lights switch-on at approximately 6.20pm.

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It kicks off with the Broadway Voices Competition (12pm) and last year's Broadway Presents winner Damien Sterling (1pm).

Pokemon's Pikachu & Ash (1.10pm), RateMyTakeaway's Danny Malin (1.20pm), Lauren G as Taylor Swift (1.45pm), and Frozen's Ela & Ariel (2.25pm) will follow.

Musician Ellie Sax, along with DJ Harry, are to make their first appearance of the day at 2.50pm.

Following their performance, Punjabi Roots (3.30pm) and stars of the Alhambra's Pinocchio pantomime, including former Coronation Street actor Chris Gascoyne (3.50pm), take to the stage.

A mini disco (4pm) will take place before Duncan James, Simon Webbe, and Anthony Costa from Blue wow the crowd at 4.20pm.

Ellie Sax (4.40pm) and Lauren G (5.10pm) will return before headline performer, Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas (6.05pm), brings the house down.

Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, said: “ “We can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday to show off our new Christmas decorations.

"The lights will be switched on at 6.20pm and will be bigger and better than ever before.

"This year’s headline acts include Duncan, Simon and Anthony from Blue and Britain’s Got Talent winner, Sydnie Christmas.

"Plus, we welcome back Ellie Sax and Danny Malin, along with some new faces including Lauren G as Taylor Swift.

"As well as the entertainment, we will have various competitions that shoppers can take part in too.

"It’s our biggest event of the year and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

One of the Christmas trees in Centenary SquareOne of the Christmas trees in Centenary Square (Image: Newsquest)

Breakfast with Santa returns

A popular Christmas event - Breakfast with Santa - is also to return to the centre.

A post on The Broadway X page read: "Enjoy breakfast and a bit of Christmas cheer every Saturday throughout December."

Thousands are usually attracted to the Festive LaunchThousands are usually attracted to the Festive Launch (Image: Newsquest)

Christmas trees and lights

Two Christmas trees have been positioned in their usual spot at Centenary Square on the grassed areas facing City Hall.

On Thursday afternoon, workers were using a cherry picker and ladder as the process of putting the trees up and decorating them got underway. 

Another Christmas tree being put up in Centenary SquareAnother Christmas tree being put up in Centenary Square (Image: Newsquest)

'Amazing things happening this Christmas across the district'

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: “Christmas is always a special time for us, and we look to celebrate it as much as we can.

"It is great to see the Christmas trees installed in Centenary Square this week and we look forward to the Bradford Festive Launch this weekend which will mark the start of the festivities and events happening across the district.

“Whether you're looking for craft workshops, seasonal food markets, fascinating exhibitions at museums and galleries, or hoping to see a spectacular show, you'll find plenty of ideas and inspiration."