AN afternoon of free festive entertainment will be held in Burnham-On-Sea this Saturday (November 21) during the countdown to the town's annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis will be the guest VIP switching on this year's display across the town centre at 4.45pm.

A day of festive entertainment organised by Burnham Chamber of Trade will be held outside the Victoria Hotel in Burnham's Victoria Street, also featuring real reindeer and a special visit by Father Christmas.

A street market will open at 12 noon and the entertainment will get underway with the early rounds of Burnham's BOS Factor talent competition from 12.15pm when budding performers are being encouraged to take part. Entry details are online.

Those on stage during the afternoon will include Brent Knoll Primary School, Berrow Hand Bell Ringers, the Coastline Singers, St Andrew's School Choir and Burnham On Song.

At 2.30pm, Father Christmas will make his official arrival, handing out free goodies to children.

And at 4.25pm Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Gracie Wickens Sweet from Brent Knoll, who won last year's BOS Factor competition, will perform on stage.

Burnham's big Christmas lights switch-on will be performed by Mr Eavis at 4.45pm, accompanied by the Mayor, Carnival Queen, Town Crier and Miss Somerset.

After the switch-on, there will be the final round of this year's BOS Factor talent competition when a winner will be chosen by the audience.

An outdoor food and craft gift market will be held along Victoria Street throughout the day from 12 noon until 5.30pm, along with a magician and other entertainers.

"It promises to be a superb event to mark the official start of Burnham's Christmas season. We're delighted to have Michael Eavis lined up to light up the town centre and support our town centre businesses," said Burnham Chamber of Trade Chairman Mark Newman.