KEIGHLEY'S countdown to Christmas gets into full swing on Sunday when the festive lights are switched on.

Final preparations are being made for a day of activities at the Airedale Shopping Centre, from 11am.

There will be carol singers, stilt walkers, face painting, balloon modelling and fairground rides.

Pulse FM roadshow will be there from 2pm, hosted by presenters Danny Mylo and Rosie Madison, with competitions and games.

There will also be a Santa's Grotto in Brunswick Arcade, which will raise money for Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands, the centre's charity for this year.

Donations for the hospice can also be dropped into a wishing well in the centre’s animated display, and the charity is raising more funds with a gift-wrapping service through December, until 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Activities on Sunday will culminate with the switching-on of the lights at 4.30pm by X Factor star Josh Daniel.

The 22-year-old singer, who famously made judge Simon Cowell cry during an audition of the top TV talent show, will be joined by Santa and Keighley mayor Councillor Javaid Akhtar.

Josh, who just missed out on the X Factor live shows, said he was looking forward to visiting Keighley.

"I am really happy to have been asked to come and switch on the Christmas lights at the Airedale Centre," he added.

"It's hard to believe how the last few months have gone for me, from normal working life to entertaining people at events like this!

"It has been a bit of a crazy ride to say the least.

"From my first audition back in May to now doing what I love as a full-time job and seeing how things have changed for me is amazing.

"I didn't really understand the impact it would have on me back then until it went out on the television – that's when it all went mad.

"People are recognising me everywhere I go now and I have so many kind messages of support from fans which is great."

Airedale Shopping Centre manager Steve Seymour said: “It’s always a big event for Keighley when the Christmas lights are switched on, and I am sure that once again we will get a great turn-out on Sunday.

“We are again working in conjunction with the Keighley Town Centre Association and Keighley Town Council – we have pulled out all the stops to make sure there’s another great day for all the family."

The switch-on will also herald the start of late-night shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

For three Thursdays following the event – on December 3, 10 and 17 –the centre will remain open until 7.30pm.