The Norwich Christmas lights switch on will be taking place on Thursday at City Hall and as a result of the festivities a number of roads in the city will be closed.

Strictly Come Dancing star and Norwich City chairman Ed Balls will be turning the lights on at 7pm but ahead of the countdown Santa's colourful parade will go through the city's streets.

There will also be live entertainment across the city and light projections on Norwich Castle and City Hall.

And due to the Christmas celebrations the following roads will be closed:

• From 6am-9pm: St Peters Street

• From 4pm-10.30pm: Upper St Giles

• From 4pm-9pm: Bank Plain, Bedford Street, Bethel Street (between St. Peters Street and the Forum Car Park), Exchange Street, Gaol Hill, Gentlemans Walk, London Street, Opie Street, Queen Street, St Andrews Hill, St Giles Street from Upper Goat Lane to Guildhall Hill, Tombland and the pedestrianisation of Upper Goat Lane will be revoked.

The road closures also mean some disruption to bus services.

Castle Meadow will be closed for part of the evening but First buses will call at the usual stops on St Stephens Street, Theatre Street , Tombland and Anglia Square in both directions. Also on Red Lion Street towards the Rail Station and Old Catton.

The only stop change apart from Castle Meadow is that Blue Line buses 25 and 26 towards the University will call at Theatre Street stop BE instead of Red Lion Street outside Barclays Bank.

Also the 7.20pm Turquoise Line 13A from Castle Meadow to Attleborough will start at St Stephens Street stop BP at 7.25pm.

Norwich Park & Ride will be running their usual Thursday evening service which includes departures on the 501 line from the bus station to Thickthorn until 8.30pm.