THE festive season will officially start at Bluewater tonight when Gerri Halliwell switches on the shopping centre's Christmas lights.

The former Spice Girl turned children's author will join Santa to head a sparkling celebrity parade around the mall, before flicking on the lights at 6pm.

The ceremony will be followed by a firework display and the illumination of Bluewater's new lakeside ice rink. At 6.30pm Santa will continue the procession to open the Ice Cavern Grotto.

Festive fun begins at 4pm when Geri will sign copies from her children's book series, Ugenia Lavender, in the Winter Wonderland.