A much-loved children's character and the cast of panto Cinderella will help Islington to get a glow up at this year's Christmas light switch on.

Sadlers Wells' favourite The Snowman is the special guest to officially press the button at Angel Central on November 22nd, with Cinders and her fellow performers at The King's Head theatre joining in the fun.

The Islington shopping centre is staging the festivities from 4pm with the switch on at 6.30pm. The theme for this year's decorations is Light Up Angel with Neon illuminations and light installations.

Visitors can enjoy jugglers and dancers while singing along to Christmas classics and enjoying free neon face painting and hair braiding plus free popcorn and candyfloss (while it lasts).

Charming ballet The Snowman, based on the storybook by Raymond Briggs and featuring Howard Blake's unforgettable score, runs at The Peacock Theatre over Christmas from November 23rd to January 4th.

Meanwhile Cinderella is the Kings Head's first family panto and stars Drag Race UK's Ella Vaday, with narration by the voice of Dame Judi Dench.

Andrew Pollard's script celebrates Islington's rich history and gives Cinders a north London upgrade as she elbows aside selfish step sisters Dalston and Peckham to win her prince.

Running from November 30th-January 5th it features sensational songs, hilarious slapstick comedy, romance, puppetry courtesy of Little Angel Theatre, and plenty of audience participation.

The cast will also be taking part in celebrations further along Upper Street at Islington Square on November 23rd when the open air street will be transformed into a Christmas market with local makers' stalls, craft products and a Christmas tree installation.

The cast of Cinderella will make a special appearance as part of the entertainment at ‘The Christmas Sorting Office’ between 12pm-5pm.

There are free workshops including Christmas Wreath making, sip & paint, plant pot painting and kid friendly arts & crafts and an illustrator decorating handmade gift tags.

Children are invited to write cards or letters to Father Christmas and post them in the Islington Square Post Box. Each letter posted is in with the chance to win a gift throughout the festive season.

Retailers, restaurants and bars are also offering festive promotions, special menus, and discounts.