Stars of television show Britain’s Got Talent will be seen in the raw as Oxford marks the coming of Christmas tomorrow night.

Vocal group Out of the Blue will take to the stage in St Giles to entertain crowds as part of the city’s Christmas Light Night festive celebrations.

Organisers moved the main events to the historic street from Broad Street and Bonn Square as it was becoming more popular.

Last year more than 20,000 people turned out.

Events will begin at 5pm and a 400-strong lantern procession starring school children will leave the Old Fire Station in Gloucester Green at 6pm.

Sir Roger Bannister and Oxford Lord Mayor Elise Benjamin will switch on the Christmas lights at about 6.30pm.

Ms Benjamin said: “I always go to the Light Night. It is such a wonderful evening. It brings the community from across Oxford into the city centre with some amazing events.

“There are so many exciting things happening and it really does bring forward the excitement of Christmas by a couple of weeks.”

BBC Oxford presenters will entertain the crowds and the stage show will involve live singing and dancing with performances to finish at 10pm.

Oxford University harmony singers Out of the Blue, who reached the semi-finals of the talent contest this year, will perform on a stage at 6.45pm.

The festivities have been organised by Oxford City Council, Oxford Inspires and Ian Nolan Events.

Director of Oxford Inspires Kathelene Weiss said: “Christmas Light Night is a fantastic night which we have seen grow over the last few years. I hope many people will come and enjoy the festivities in the city.”

And the event will also feature late-night openings of some of the city’s top cultural attractions. Venues involved include Oxford Town Hall, Ashmolean Museum, The Bodleian Library, 03 Gallery, and The Old Fire Station.

St Giles is to be closed all day and visitors to the city will be able to park for free after 5.30pm in the Westgate multi-storey car park.