Merseyside shopping centre Bootle Strand will be hosting a family fun-filled Christmas launch.

The Sparkle in The Strand event will take place on November 11 and the headlining act at the special occasion will be children’s legendary TV star Basil Brush.

The event is in its third year and the theme for this year is, ‘The night the toys came to life’.

Along with Basil , there will be performances from a whole raft of characters depicting children’s favourite toys.

The list includes Elves, storm troopers, princess dolls and Minions.

Lucy Kirk, Marketing Manager from the Strand, said: “This year we are celebrating all things Christmas related and have come up with a schedule to reflect our family friendly ethos around the centre.

“We are really looking forward to the day to kick start the festive shopping season and thank all our shoppers for their loyalty this year and in the time to come as we celebrate our 50th year next year.”

The Strand Christmas tree in 2016. Photo by Ian Cooper

The action takes place from 2pm to 4pm in the Hexagon on the ground floor of the shopping centre and the Christmas tree lights switch on event will happen on Stanley Road at around 4.30pm.

The Waterloo and Crosby Theatre Company will also be on stage with flag bearers as the Strand marks the 11th of November Remembrance Day with a minute’s silence.

The Bootle action group will be switching on the lights at 4.30pm and they have also organised a Christmas tree to be displayed on Stanley Road.