SISTER act LIV’n’G are counting down the hours until they switch on the Christmas lights in Darlington town centre.

The young duo, aka Hartlepool siblings Olivia Crawford and Georgia Fletcher, will perform to thousands as part of an evening of festive fun this Thursday.

Their appearance will come just days after the release of their debut EP, Shades, and will see them promote their own tracks with a lively performance featuring vocalist Olivia backed by self-taught musician Georgia.

The pair said they had been astonished by the warm reception they received when they played the recent fireworks show at Darlington’s Northern Echo Arena and said they were looking forward to returning to the town for one of their biggest gigs to date.

LIV’n’G will take to the stage at the Market Square for an event that will also see TFM Radio presenters Steve and Karen join Santa and his helpers in ushering in the festive season.

With entertainment beginning at 5pm, the switch-on ceremony will take place at 6.30pm and will be followed by a fireworks finale.

The event will mark the start of Darlington’s official Christmas season and the launch of a festive market, late night shopping and parking offers. On Saturday, December 8 visitors to the town will also be able to enjoy its first ever ice sculpture trail and associated activities.

Cllr Chris McEwan, Darlington council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “We’ve got Christmas well and truly wrapped up here in Darlington. Our annual big Christmas lights switch on will be the start of what promises to be a fantastic range of exciting events that are free and fun for all the family.

“We’ve worked together with local retailers, the markets and with our LoveDarlo partners to make sure there’s lots of things lined up to entice families into the town for festive fun and shopping. With our parking offers and local bus offers, there is no reason why Darlington shouldn’t be on everyone’s Christmas shopping list.”

Shops around the town centre will be open until 8pm on the night of the lights switch-on and every Thursday until the festivities are over, with shoppers able to park for free after 3pm in any council-run car park until January 2.

The Christmas market will be based along West Row and High Row and will be open until 8pm this Thursday and 10am until 4pm until Sunday.