A HUGE crowd is expected to witness Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones switch on Barry town centre’s festive lights this Saturday, November 23.

Nessa Shanessa Jenkins will return to Barry own for the annual Christmas lights ceremony in King Square, Holton Road, on November 23, ahead of the Christmas special of the much-loved show.

The switch-on will mark the end of a two-day festive market in Barry on Friday, November 22 and Saturday 23, and will be followed by a free open air showing of Home Alone in Barry’s Central Park.

Vale council principle tourism officer, Nia Hollins said: “We’re so excited to be joined by the legendary ‘Nessa’ herself as she returns to her hometown of Barry to kick off the Christmas festivities this year.

“The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special will be watched by millions on Christmas Day, so to welcome Nessa back to Barry on this festive occasion is very special indeed.

“The world has embraced Barry and its character residents since it first hit our screens in 2007.

“When the announcement came that this year would bring a Christmas special, we’ve been inundated with fans from far and wide wanting to come and visit.

“A huge thanks to Ruth Jones for joining us on this special occasion.”

‘Nessa’ will switch on the lights as part of the Barry Christmas Weekender, which returns after a successful inaugural event in 2018, delivered in partnership between Vale of Glamorgan Council and Holton Road Traders.

In addition to the festive market in Holton Road, there will be live music, street entertainment and a visit by Santa and his elves.

A second Christmas lights ceremony will also take place in Barry High Street at 7pm on Friday, November 29 – with Barry boxers Lee and Andrew Selby lighting up the street.

‘Nessa’ will appear at King Square at 6pm on November 23.