The reigning champions of a television talent show will officially launch the festive season in Coventry.
Winners of last year’s X-Factor, Rak-Su, are the special guests at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Going ahead on Wednesday, November 21 in Broadgate, the boyband will be entertaining the crowds.
The celebrations will once again be organised by Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) and Coventry City Council.
The R&B group quickly became X-Factor favourites last year by writing and performing their own original songs. After forming just two years ago, they had three singles reach number one on the iTunes chart during their run in the contest.
Since winning the competition, the band reached number 2 in the UK charts with Dimelo, which saw them working with Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy.
They also toured with Little Mix - the only other band to win the X-Factor in its 15 year history – this summer, worked with Canadian production duo Banx & Ranx and are working on new music.
Trish Willetts, director of Coventry BID, is encouraging everyone to come along, enjoy the evening including the headliner act and embrace the Christmas spirit on the night.
“We’re delighted that Rak-Su will be joining us for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on,” Trish said. “We want to make this year the biggest switch-on ever and we feel the boys will help us do that.
“They will bring a huge amount of entertainment and energy and we can’t wait to welcome them to Coventry.
“A whole host of local talent will also be performing on the night, so it will be something that the whole family can enjoy.”
Once again the event will begin at 5pm and run until 8pm.
Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for events, said: “I am very excited that Rak-Su will be helping us to celebrate the Christmas Lights Switch-On this year - the band are sure to draw in a great crowd to kick off Christmas in style in the city centre.
“We know how much residents enjoy the switch-on. It’s a big part of the festive build up and lots of families make sure they attend every year, so it’s great that we’ve got such a fantastic act as well as many other performers to join in the party and ensure that Coventry has a great Christmas.”