NORTHERN Irish rockers Ash are set to headline the annual Christmas light switch-on in Paisley.

The winter events programme has now been revealed and will begin with the two-day Hallowe'en Festival on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28.

The special 80s themed Fireworks Spectacular will then be held on Saturday, November 4, before Ash hit the stage on Saturday, November 18, as the town starts to sparkle for the festive season.

And the excitement doesn't stop there as Christmas light switch-ons will be taking place in Renfrew on Saturday, November 25, and in Johnstone on Saturday, December 2.

The annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards also comes to Paisley for the first time ever and will be held at the town hall on Saturday, December 2.

Tim Wheeler, frontman of Ash, said: "We’re really looking forward to playing Paisley for the switching on of the Christmas lights this year. Hopefully our tunes will get the elves dancing and the Christmas spirit flowing.”

The winter season is part of a wider programme of events in Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “The Halloween Festival, Fireworks Spectacular and Christmas Lights Switch On are established favourites in the town’s events calendar – and this year Paisley’s winter events programme is even bigger and better than ever.

“One of the key aims of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 is to showcase the town’s proven track record in hosting a diverse range of major cultural activities and the winter events programme highlights just that.”

Find out more information at www.paisley2021.co.uk.