Nicholas Cage to switch on Bath's Christmas lights

Hollywood star Nicolas Cage will turn on the Christmas lights in Bath tonight.

The star of The Rock and Con Air will bring some Christmas cheer to the Somerset spa town at 6.30pm.

Thousands of people are expected to line Milsom Street where Cage - who won the best male Oscar for his role as a despondent alcoholic in Leaving Las Vegas in 1996 - will push the button.

Cage, who has owned various properties in the city but reportedly sold them recently, said he was "excited and privileged" to be switching on the lights.

He will appear alongside other celebrities including Heart FM DJ and former TV presenter Toby Anstis.

The festivities will see the opening of the Bath Christmas Market, set between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, which will feature more than 100 traditional wooden chalets.

Fans of Cage will be able to warm themselves with mince pies and mulled wine available from the market.

Police advised visitors heading to the city to be prepared for a night of busy traffic and heavy crowds.

Road closures will be in place throughout today in Milsom Street, New Bond Street, Green Street and Quiet Street.

Earlier this month, about 60 people were injured during a crowd surge at Birmingham's Christmas lights switch-on, as chart-toppers JLS performed on stage.

Up to 20,000 people turned out for the event at Millennium Point - only 5,000 were expected.