The countdown to Christmas will begin today with an afternoon of live music followed by Croydon's annual lights switch-on.

Stephen Mulhern, TV presenter and star of this year's Fairfield Halls pantomime, will flick the switch on the illuminations shortly after 6.15pm.

The stage in North End will first be warmed up by 13 live acts from noon - plus special guest appearances from Crystal Palace footballers, Peppa Pig, and even Santa and his elves.

Eagles first-team players will sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans in Whitgift Square from 4pm, while kids' favourite Peppa will switch on Centrale shopping centre's Christmas lights at 5pm.

The action on stage will be rounded off by the Croydon Salvation Army Band at 6.40pm.

Matthew Sims, chief executive of Croydon BID, said: "This is undoubtedly our biggest and most spectacular event to date with a bumper programme of great, all-round activity lined up, thanks to generous sponsorship from Gatwick Airport.

"The programme is expanding all the time as more and more acts express an interest in taking part in the schedule and we hope as many people as possible will be able to join us for what we fully expect to be a truly memorable occasion."

Full main stage schedule

12pm: Croydon College music students
12.35: Abi Hudson
1.05: Rebekah King
1.35: Howard Rose
2.05: Susie B
2.35: The Tailormade
3.05: Lucan Mills
3.35: The Midnight Rambler
4.05: Sophie Plumb
4.45: Da Groove Station
5pm Penny Fathers
5.20: Tyber (from the Dualers)
5.45: Croydon Popchoir
6pm: Santa and his elves
6.10: Fairfield panto stars including Stephen Mulhern for Christmas lights switch-on
6.40: The Croydon Salvation Army Band