FROM footlights to festive lights panto funnyman Andre Vincent will flick the switch at Great Yarmouth’s big switch-on on Wednesday.

Andre, who adds to the madcap mayhem playing Billy Trott in Norwich Theatre Royal’s Jack and the Beanstalk, will mingle with crowds who turn out for the big event which kicks off a host of entertainment and late-night events in the run up to Christmas.

He will be joined by Heart FM’s breakfast presenters Rob and Chrissie, and local dignitaries on stage in the Market Place from 6.30pm.

Street entertainers and a visit from Santa and his elves will add to the magical mix.

The well-known comic is no stranger to the East Coast and is looking forward to getting involved in Great Yarmouth’s Christmas festivities ahead of the opening of Jack and the Beanstalk, on December 14.

John Bultitude, Norwich Theatre Royal spokesman, said: “Knowing Andre, he won’t just be sitting in the background. Keeping with the circus theme of this year’s pantomime, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Great Yarmouth mayor, and Rob and Chrissie don’t have a bit of a juggling lesson.”

Crowds will gather from early evening for plenty of live family entertainment. Andre and other stars on stage will then be counting down to the switch-on at 7pm which is followed by a rooftop fireworks display at 8pm.

It is a busy time for Andre who is returning to star in the Norwich Theatre Royal panto for the second year after a busy 12 months.

He has been on a stand-up tour to the Middle East, making documentaries, filming a new children’s show for the BBC called Little Howard’s Big Question and writing a comedy/drama for ITV.

As well as free parking after 4pm in all town centre council-run car parks, the council, in support of our Shop Local for Christmas campaign, has announced that on Saturdays parking will also be free after 2pm in some car parks and much reduced in Gorleston High Street.