The audience at this year’s Big Switch On event on Sunday, 16 November is in for a musical treat as two local acts make the line-up.

The Big Switch On event in Mansfield town centre has always offered a great variety of entertainment and the organisers are keen to show support to local acts again this year.

The stage show, which starts at 3.30pm, will feature two musical acts to get the crowd in the festive party spirt. The first will be singer, songwriter Ben Haynes. Ben has been playing instruments since he was eight years old and recently released a new EP titled, ‘Whisper In My Ear’. He has been inspired by artists such as Stereophonics, David Gray, Paul Simon and Ray Lamontagne.

The second act is The Fabulous Tabbykatz. A group of professional musicians who have come together with a modern, vintage rock and roll vibe and are sure to get the crowd going. The band, which includes saxophone and double bass players, will perform classic covers such as Johnny Got a Boom Boom, Stupid Cupid and Santa Claus is coming to town.

Other attractions at this year’s stage show are children’s favourite, Mike the Knight, Vicky Entwistle (aka Janice Battersby in Coronation Street) from the Palace Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime and of course Santa!

The stage show is the culmination of a day of festive activities including a parade on Westgate to mark the arrival of Santa at the Four Seasons’ grotto, a Christmas market, family movie in the market place and a prince and princess workshop.

The event is organised by Mansfield District Council, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield 103.2 with supporting partners Mansfield BID, 6 five 2s Taxis, Fresh Start Recruitment and the Chad.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, Cllr Kate Allsop said: “We’ve got a really fantastic stage show planned for the Big Switch On this year including some great music. We’re pleased to be supporting acts from the local area again and hope that lots of you come and enjoy a great family day out.”

For more details about all the activities taking place at The Big Switch On 2014, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/switchon