GOLDEN couple Jason and Laura Kenny will enjoy a spectacular fire dance as they switch on Bolton’s Christmas lights tonight.

The internationally renowned act Flame Oz will be one of the highlights at the switch on as they perform a specially commissioned golden routine for the Olympian to celebrate their combined ten golden Olympic medals.

The group will also perform two other fire dancing and juggling shows as part of the entertainment in the run-up to the lights switch-on.

The traditional festive parade will also be expanding its route by parading along the front of the stage, prior to the switch-on.

The parade will feature the Eagley Brass Band, two giant Angels, a festive Christmas float, a band on stilts and costumed characters dressed as Christmas baubles, fairies and puddings as well as the town’s giant snowmen, which will be making their 23rd appearance, as well as Santa, the Mayor and Mayoress in their sleigh. It will leave Churchgate at 5.45pm and go down Deansgate, then turn down Howell Croft North and round past the former Beales building then into Victoria Square for 6.20pm.

The Christmas lights switch on show will start in Victoria Square at 5pm with local singers and bands, followed by golden couple Jason and Laura counting down to the big switch-on at 7pm.

The Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “We’re really pleased to have commissioned Flame Oz to perform a special show for our golden couple Jason and Laura and hope the people of Bolton love it too.

“We also hope that new additions such as the lanterns will prove to be a popular addition to the parade.

“We hope that everyone will come on down to Churchgate and follow the sparkling parade as it makes its way to Victoria Square, where we’ll have a Christmas lights countdown followed by some fabulous fireworks."

Nikki Wilson Cook, Centre Manager for the Market Place Shopping Centre said: “We are delighted to be the official sponsor of Bolton’s light switch-on and Winter Festival this year, it’s great to be part of these fantastic family events.

“The light switch-on and parade marks the start of Christmas here at Market Place.

“We will also be open for late night shopping until 8pm that night, so after the switch-on, why not come down with your family to make a start on your Christmas shopping.”

Follow@Boltoncouncil on the night and get involved using #BoltonXmasLights