A CHART-TOPPING band will be performing at Hereford's Christmas lights switch-on, it has been revealed.

Girl group Eternal has been announced as the headline performer at the switch-on on November 17 in High Town.

The Christmas lights switch-on, organised by Sunshine Radio and Hereford City Council, is a popular event every year, with last year's special guest being Rick Astley, who appeared via video link.

The annual event is free and will see Hereford light up for the festive season. It starts at 3pm with the big switch-on at 5pm, followed by the live performances into the evening.

Eternal first found fame in the early 1990s when their debut single Stay reached number four in the UK charts. Several hit singles followed, including Power of a Woman, I Am Blessed, Good Thing, Secrets, and their first number one I Wanna Be the Only One.

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Paloma Faith tribute Pure Paloma and her band will also be performing on the night.

Local acts to perform at the switch-on include the Hereford Rock Choir, Lilac Loonies and One Vision School of Arts. 

Organisers say kids' favourites Olaf, the Grinch and Elf on the Shelf will also be making an appearance.

Sunshine radio station manager Mark Edwards said: “We’re proud of our association with Hereford Town Council over the past 14 years, and the leading stars we’ve been able to bring to High Town including in the past: S Club, Liberty X, Betty Boo and Lee Ryan. This year’s show has taken months to put together and all the acts have rehearsed to give the audience of thousands who come along a night to remember! Last year we surprised everyone with a video dial-in from Rick Astley as a surprise – what will we have up our sleeve this year?” 

According to Hereford City Council minutes, Sunshine Radio have invested around £3,000 in performances at the Christmas lights switch-on, while the city council is also allocating £3,000 to pay performers' fees.