Stevenage Borough Council is ‘Moving on Up’ this year as iconic singer Heather Small will make you ‘Proud’ to be from Stevenage on Thursday November 24, at the town centre Christmas Lights Switch On.

Former M People singer Heather, who has won two Brit Awards and whose track ‘Proud’ went on to become the soundtrack to a number of special events, including London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, will perform on a new in-the-round stage before the lights are switched on at 6.30pm.

Music and dance talent from Stevenage – as well as the cast of this year’s Peter Pan pantomime at the Gordon Craig Theatre – will take to the stage from 4pm before a firework finale lights up the town centre.

Fairground rides and face painting are also on offer and people will be able to have their photos taken with their favourite mascots.

Late-night shopping is on offer at stores across the town centre and free car parking is available from 3pm at St George’s Way multi-storey, Westgate multi-storey, Marshgate, and The Forum.

Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor John Lloyd, said: “Getting into the Christmas spirit is easy this year as our Christmas lights switch on promises to be ‘One night in Heaven.’ I’m thrilled that Heather and a host of Stevenage’s best music and dance talent will be performing. We’ve held a number of brilliant events across Stevenage this year so it is only right that the fireworks finale ensures we go out with a bang.”