Thousands of people are expected to pack into the city centre to watch Exeter's Christmas lights being switched on.
And the ceremony in the city centre also marks the start of Christmas late-night shopping.
The lights will be switched on at 6.30pm today (Thursday, November 20) and the event runs from 4pm to 8pm.
European Athletics Championship Gold medallist Jo Pavey, and BBC Devon's Judi Spiers, together with members of Exeter Chiefs rugby team, switch on the city centre's Christmas lights in Princesshay. TV star Caroline Quentin had been due to attend but pulled out earlier today.
A ceremony will also be held at the same time to mark the light up at the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
Visitors and shoppers to Princesshay will be treated to a festive programme of entertainment throughout the event. Local band To the Sun, the Exeter University Jazz Orchestra, Exeter University Soul Choir will perform and Exeter's X Factor finalist Shelley Smith will close the show.
There will be performances from Razzmatazz Theatre School, Wonder Production Pantomime and Pinhoe Pantomime cast, will also keep the crowds entertained. Compering the main event will be Heart Radio's breakfast presenters.
Jo Pavey said: "It's such a huge honour to be asked to switch on the Christmas lights as I am very proud to have been born and brought up in the Exeter area.
"I have been a member of Exeter Harriers athletics club since I was 13, so it's nice to be able to represent the city when I compete. I attended Exeter College and still live just outside the city and so it is really lovely to be asked to do something like this in my local community."
Caroline Quentin said: "As patron of Families for Children Adoption I am delighted to be switching on the Christmas lights in Princesshay.
"My charity has a long association with the management team at Princesshay with them welcoming us for many adoption awareness events throughout the year."
Meanwhile at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, the fun starts at 4pm with Ashley Jeary from Radio Exe broadcasting his show live from the centre, with highlights including Chiefs v City in a fun quiz, and the announcement of a Christmas car competition winner.
Centre mascot Bertie and Santa Claus will be roaming around meeting and greeting young visitors.
After the lights are switched on, local band Sound of the Sirens will be performing live.
The popular street food market will be open from 9am until 9pm, along with a pop-up pub. Customers will have a chance to be entered into a free prize draw to win a selection of prizes including £50 Love To Shop and £50 Sainsbury's vouchers and a Kobo e-book reader.
