The X Factor 2014 champion Ben Haenow will help kick-start Carlisle's festive celebrations.

He will take to the stage outside the Old Town Hall on November 20 in the lead up to the switching on of the city's Christmas lights.

Joining in the celebrations will be Britain's Got Talent 2016 runner-up Wayne Woodward, X Factor 2016's Christian Burrows and 2014 Britain's Got Talent contestant Bailey McConnell.

The city centre entertainment is set to get underway at 2pm and will finish about 5.30pm.

For the first time, the afternoon's entertainment will include a 'stars of the future' line-up, alongside a showcase of local community groups and performers.

City mayor Colin Stothard will trigger the Christmas lights at 5pm.

Councillor Anne Quilter, who is in charge of culture, heritage and leisure said: "We've got a great line-up this year and I'm pleased that there will be a mix of top performers and local talent.

"The stars of the future line-up will be an opportunity to showcase up and coming entertainers."

Ben Haenow won the 11th series of talent show The X Factor.

Following his win, his debut single, a cover of One Republic's Something I Need was released in December 2014.

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It debuted at number one on the UK singles chart, becoming the 2014 Christmas number one.

Haenow released his self-titled debut studio album in November 2015, preceded by the single Second Hand Heart, a duet with Kelly Clarkson.

Last year Carlisle’s Matt Pagan and his band Collabro returned to the city for the Christmas lights switch-on.