THE festive season wouldn’t be the same without the Big Bolton Christmas Lights Switch-On.

The annual tradition will take place this evening ­- albeit in a different way.

This year, the event, which would usually attract hundreds into the town centre, will go virtual, with people being able to enjoy the event in the safety of their own homes ­- and join in too.

The Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 7pm, with the Town Hall and Victoria Square lit up.

People are invited to watch a special countdown film and join in at home by turning on their own Christmas lights at the same time to add some festive sparkle around the whole of Bolton.

There will also be an inflatable Santa and traditional nativity scenes in Victoria Square

The Big Bolton Switch-On launches the start of the month-long Bolton winter festivities.

Other events will be announced shortly but all are designed to bring some needed sparkle to the town.

To watch the countdown visit Bolton Winter Festival’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/BoltonWinterFestival/

Information on forthcoming events will also be announced there.