Today's the day! 

From this afternoon Chelmsford will be illuminated in thousands of sparkling fairy lights as the city's Christmas lights are officially switched on. 

The festive season officially kicks off in the city with radio presenters Martin and Sue, from Heart, taking to the stage outside Shire Hall in the High Street. 

Between 1pm and 3pm local performers including community choir Funky Voices and youngsters from the YMCA will be singing their hearts out and the cast of Aladdin will be casting a magical spell on the crowd as they meet and greet visitors. 

At 4.45pm the mayor of Chelmsford, Paul Hutchinson, will get up on the big stage with Martin and Su for the much-anticipated Chelmsford Lights switch-on.

They will be joined by cast members from Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre’s the Wizard of Oz on Ice and Chelmsford Civic Theatre’s Aladdin production, the YMCA’s Young Person of the Year, local singer Hollie Barrie, who recently starred on BBC’s the Voice, and Weekly News editor Gary Pearson.

The switch-on will be swiftly followed by a spectacular firework display, which will launch from near the Meadows Shopping Centre and the city sign.

Make sure you get involved in the fun on Twitter and send us your photos by using the hashtag #ChelmsfordLights