BOXING star Chris Billam-Smith and famous Dorset resident Harry Redknapp will come together to switch on Christmas lights next month.

The pair will turn on the festive illuminations in Westbourne along with the Mayor of Bournemouth.

The special event hosted by Westbourne Traders takes place on Saturday, December 2, at 4.30pm.

Festivities will begin from 11am with Father Christmas even stopping by for the special occasion.

Choirs will be performing throughout the day and there will even be a special visit from Bournemouth’s popular clifftop goats.

Westbourne Christmas Festival is expected to attract hundreds each Saturday throughout December.

The festival is funded and organised by Bournemouth Coastal BID which will also install all of the Christmas lights in the area.

Fiona McArthur, Bournemouth Coastal BID manager, said: “Christmas in Westbourne is always a very special time and Bournemouth Coastal BID are proud to be organising the festivities, with support from Westbourne Business Association.

“As ever, there will be plenty going on for shoppers and visitors in and about the streets of Westbourne.

“On Saturdays there will be free storytelling and entertainment throughout the day.”

The shops will be open until late on Thursday, December 7, and Thursday, December 21, with free popcorn and mulled wine.

As if that is not enough, there will be plenty of opportunity for festive refreshments in the many welcoming bars, pubs, coffee shops and cafes dotted around the area.

The Traders are also holding a charity raffle with prizes donated by the many of the shops and eateries in Westbourne.

Proceeds from the raffle will be put towards the upgrade of the local community play park.

Hope for Food will also benefit from the collection tins in the shops and bars, and the generosity of the shoppers and visitors throughout the Christmas season.

Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith holds the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) cruiserweight title. He will go head-to-head against Mateusz Masternak to defend his title in a major event at the BIC on Sunday, December 10, which will be shown live in Sky Sports.