IT may only be October but the lead up to Christmas at The Harlequin is in full swing, with a giant santa going up on the building this week.

And next week there will be celebrities galore when the Christmas lights are officially switched on.

Watford FC goalkeeper Richard Lee will join serial reality television star Fran Cosgrave, of Celebrity Love Island fame, at 6pm on Thursday, November 2, for the big switch-on at the main entrance to the shopping centre by Waterstones.

Before the lights are lit and fireworks let off, there will be live music from up-and-coming boy band 365, entertainment from the cast of Palace Theatre panto Aladdin, fun competitions and prize giveaways.