Paralympic archer Mel Clarke will take centre stage this evening at Norwich's Christmas lights switch on.

The main event, including the switch-on, fireworks a giant snowball throw and carols, will take place tonight at 7pm.

But the entertainment will begin from 6.15pm around The Forum, Jarrold department store, Chapelfield Gardens and on the steps of City Hall.

The festivities will mean a number of roads will be closed throughout the evening and motorists have been urged to avoid the city centre.

Upper St Giles Street will be closed from 4pm, while Bethel Street and St Peters Street will shut from 5pm.

After the switch-on celebrations will continue at the Forum. The family entertainment includes ukulele strummers, a lantern parade, Father Christmas and fairies.

The event has been organised by Norwich City Council and is supported by the Norwich Evening News, BBC Radio Norfolk The Forum Trust, Jarrold and Virgin Money.

A lantern procession, made by Henderson Green Primary School and The Hewett School, will leave Chapelfield Gardens at 6.15pm, making its way to The Forum, joined by Father Christmas on his sleigh.

Chermond Gymnastics Club, the Norwich Ukulele Society, and Demi Semitone and Swank's Frolicking Fairies will also join in with a Christmas reading from The Rev Janet Wyer.

•Road Closures

-4pm to 10.30pm

Upper St Giles Street

-5pm to 8pm

St Peters Street

Bethel Street between the junctions with St Peters Street and Little Bethel Street

-5.30pm to 8pm

St Giles Street from Upper Goat Lane to Guildhall Hill

Gaol Hill

London Street

Little London Street

Exchange Street

Gentleman's Walk

Haymarket

Brigg Street

Chapelfield East

-6.10pm to 7pm

Chantry Road

Theatre Street

Malthouse Road

William Booth Street