This year’s Hampstead Christmas lights will be officially switched on by Jonathan Ross and Barbara Windsor, as the village is transformed into a seasonal wonderland for an afternoon of family fun.

Ham & High: EastEnders star Barbara Windsor will also be on stage in her capacity of patron of Chickenshed Theatre Company. Picture: PA/Anwar HusseinEastEnders star Barbara Windsor will also be on stage in her capacity of patron of Chickenshed Theatre Company. Picture: PA/Anwar Hussein (Image: Anwar Hussein/EMPICS Entertainment)

Chat show host Mr Ross and EastEnders star Ms Windsor will switch on the lights at 4.45pm as the highlight of the Hampstead Christmas Festival, a free event on Sunday, November 23, which runs from midday to 5pm.

Hampstead High Street will traffic-free for the day and the street will be packed with stalls and attractions for all the family.

The ceremony will include a special appearance by international opera star and former model and beauty queen Angel Blue, who is currently starring in La Boheme with the English National Opera at the Coliseum.

Susan Brandt, chair of the Hampstead Christmas Festival Committee, said: “Jonathan, Barbara and Angel will well and truly light up Hampstead and add their special sparkle to what is set to be a fantastic day.

“Hampstead’s unique village atmosphere makes it the perfect place to get in the festive spirit in the run-up to Christmas.”

Coordinated by volunteers and sponsored by Hampstead’s businesses, the Hampstead Christmas Festival is in its seventh year and last year attracted some 40,000 people from across London.

Thousands are again expected to attend the event for a fun-packed afternoon.

Attractions on the day will include fairground rides, gift and food stalls, live reindeer, an animal petting zoo, Punch & Judy shows, face painting, jugglers, fire eaters and plenty of live music.

There will be a Santa’s Grotto for children and a special Santa Paws Grotto for dogs.

This year’s festival is supporting Chickenshed Theatre Company, of which Ms Windsor is a supporter.

Full details of the event, including a map and a guide to what’s on, visit hampsteadvillagelondon.com/christmas/