Fun for all the family is guaranteed at the start of Belfast's Christmas celebrations later this month.

Children's favourites Bob the Builder and Fifi Forget-Me-Not will be special guests at the switching on of the Christmas lights later this month.

They will join Lord Mayor Naomi Long to kick off the festive season in celebratory style.

The Lord Mayor formally announced details of this year's Christmas programme as the Christmas tree – a 45-foot tall Norway spruce from Hillsborough Forest Park – was moved into position outside the City Hall on Tuesday.

"The switching on of the Christmas lights is always a great night for all the family, and this year promises to be just that little bit special," said Councillor Long.

"Over the years, we have attracted many top stars to appear at Belfast's switch on, and I am particularly delighted that this year we will be joined by some of the biggest names in children's television," she said.

Helping Bob the Builder to keep the tots and their parents entertained will be fellow TV favourites, Fifi and Bumble, with their own high-energy sing-along performance, guaranteed to get everyone singing and dancing in the city centre streets.

Special guest for the evening will be another television favourite, Kirsten O'Brien, currently to be seen on 'The One Show' and BBC2's 'Gimme A Break' and the former presenter of CBBC's successful art programme, 'Smart'.

Opening proceedings will be the acclaimed Belfast Community Gospel Choir, singing a selection of seasonal favourite tunes, followed by a visit from the cast of the Waterfront's pantomime, 'Cinderella'.

The annual Belfast City Council Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Tuesday 24 November, with the entertainment programme beginning at 7pm.

(BMcC/GK)