UP to 20,000 people are expected to gather in Leeds tonight to join chart-toppers Girls Aloud and Radio 1 presenter Chris Moyles as the city lights up for Christmas.

TV characters in costumes will also help turn on the festive lights after touring the children's wards at Leeds General Infirmary to include young patients in the fun.

Girls Aloud starred at the last pop concert in Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium in August when they helped announce the new name of the sporting venue as the Galpharm. Leeds-born Chris Moyles is the self-styled saviour of Radio 1 and presenter of the station's breakfast show.

The switching-on ceremony, which will take place in the Victoria Gardens on The Headrow, is due to start at 7pm.