Thousands of visitors are expected in Newcastle city centre tonight (Thursday) as Geordie rock star Sam Fender is switching on the Christmas lights.
The Grainger Market is opening late today, offering visitors a chance to fill-up on street food and browse produce after the lights are turned by the . Usually, the market closes at 5.30pm, but tonight it will open until 8pm.
There are food stalls inside the market selling a variety of snacks and streetfood from around the world. They include the Slice pizza stall, Acropolis Gyros, Chinese steamed dumplings, Turkish meze, Lebanese, Meat:Stack burgers and Snackwallah's vegan Indian food.
You can read our round-up of Grainger Market food stalls, here .
Fresh produce, gifts and clothes will also be on sale inside the market.
The switch-on, in Blackett Street, takes place between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. It will be hosted by Metro Radio's Steve and Karen, while Sam - who will not be performing - is scheduled to flick the switch at around 6.30pm.
Wrap up warm and prepare for the possibility of rain. The Met Office forecasts some light rain at around 6pm.
Blackett Street will be shut to traffic until 9pm. Bus passengers may have to use alternative stops.
