THE circus is coming to town for this year's Cheshire Oaks Christmas lights switch-on.

The 'Cheshire Oaks presents Cirque' show, inspired by smash hit film The Greatest Showman, will take place at the retail park on November 6, in an event which will also see the 90ft Christmas tree lit up.

Favourite hits will play in a dazzling display of singers, dancers and circus acts.

The fun begins from 6.45pm as Leanne Campbell and Dave Kelly from Radio City Breakfast welcome visitors into the 'theatre', with the cirque to start at 7.15pm and finishing with a bang with musical fireworks at 7.50pm.

Returning this year and aiming to be bigger and better than before will be the festive market, to be held in the events space, featuring a huge range of stalls.

As usual, there will be extended shopping hours in the run-up to Christmas, with stores open 10am-9pm Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday (larger stores 11am-5pm) throughout November, except for 'Black Friday' on November 29, when hours will be extended to 9am-10pm.

The centre will also open for longer on October 31 and November 1, with hours extended to 9am-10pm on late-night shopping events which will also see activities including live music from Back Chat Brass and Roaming Heads.

Concierge staff will be on hand during these days to help guests find the best offers, carrying shopping to cars and offering random acts of kindness.

In addition, Breakfast with Santa bookings are to open shortly.