Star of the show will be popular actor Arthur Bostrom, best known for his role as Crabtree, the vowel-mangling Gendarme in the BBC comedy 'Allo 'Allo!

Festivities kick off at 5pm with Buxton's own Town Crier, Bill Weston, introducing the entertainment for the evening. To get everyone into the Christmas spirit there will be carols and music from local schools, choirs and the Fairfield Brass Band.

The Snow Queen and her entourage are inviting children to ride the Pavilion Gardens' train with them and Santa will be in his grotto in the warmth of the Cafe.

A Children's Fairground will run throughout the evening. Food and drinks will be available including mulled wine, hot chestnuts and a BBQ.

Look out for special offers in the Pavilion Café.

"We're delighted that, despite the recession, people have still donated to the fund," said Andrea Lewis, Chair of the Christmas Committee.

"It has enabled us to buy extra lights and hold lantern making workshops."

To build up to the highlight of the evening, the High Peak Samba Band, The Deputy Mayor and celebrities will lead the spectacular lantern parade from St John's Road to wind its way back into the Gardens for the switching on of the lights at 6.30pm by Buxton Opera House Panto star, Arthur.

Organisers are inviting everyone to join in. The event is being sponsored by Buxton Natural Mineral Water, the Pavilion Gardens, the University of Derby and the Spring Gardens Shopping Centre.

The collection on the evening will be in aid of Buxton's Community First Responders (St Johns).