The city's Christmas lights will be switched on by Bradford's Gareth Gates, it was announced today.

And alongside Gareth at the annual event in Centenary Square will be Bradford Bulls captain Robbie Paul and stars of this year's Pantomime at the Alhambra Theatre.

It is the fourth year in a row that Gareth - originally from East Bowling - will have headed the celebrations.

Gareth said it would be good to be back at home and promised a good night for all.

He said: "It's always good to come home, especially at Christmas and I'm looking forward to doing something a little bit special."

The Pop Idol star who had a string of hits will be on stage in Centenary Square for the big event on November 18.

Each year he has done the engagement free of charge for his home city.

Bradford Council has invited him back again after a flood of e-mails from fans saying they wanted Gareth at the biggest festive event of the year.

The star, who has been writing new material, is expected to sing something with a festive flavour but the Council's senior projects and events officer, Vanessa Mitchell, said she did not yet know the details.

Other stars on stage will include BBC Fame Academy finalist and former Bulls cheerleader Carolynne Goode and television personality Faye Barker. Both are starring in Dick Whittington which is coming to the Alhambra on December 17.

Bradford Bulls star Robbie Paul will also be on stage and the names of top live bands and other guests will be announced shortly.

The festivities will start at 5.30pm and the celebrities will take to the stage to join together in the big switch-on at 7pm.

For the past three years Gareth's appearance has helped draw crowds of 15,000 to Centenary Square and special facility arrangements are being made again this year.

Bradford Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "The entertainment promises to be a mix of Bradford stars, lively pop bands and fun competitions which should be a hit with everyone. It will set the stage for the big switch-on."