Eastgate Square has unveiled its festive decorations ahead of five weeks of free family activities and live entertainment.

The shopping centre's illuminated façade has returned to Bridge Street, while an eight-metre Christmas tree has been installed beneath the square's glass atrium.

The decorations mark the start of the centre's Christmas programme, which will include free family activities, live music, character appearances and seasonal events throughout November and December.

Grotto on the Square will open on Friday 20 November and run until Christmas Eve, giving children the opportunity to meet Father Christmas.

The experience will take families on an immersive, multi-sensory journey featuring special effects, sounds and festive displays before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa.

As part of the celebrations, Eastgate Square will host five weekends of festive entertainment, including free family activities, live music and character appearances.

On Saturday 21 November, a large gingerbread man and his festive friend will roam the centre as part of The Great Gingerbread Giveaway, handing out sweet treats to celebrate the grotto's opening weekend.

From Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November, Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Holiday Wonderland will also be at Eastgate Square. The pop-up will feature personalised engravings, prizes, makeovers and Christmas gifts.

Live music will take place every Friday from 20 November, as part of Feelgood Fridays, with performances running from 1pm to 3pm.

The Salvation Army Band will also perform traditional Christmas music at the centre on Saturday 28 November and Saturday 12 December, between 12pm and 2pm.

On Sunday 29 November, the Christmas Bauble Boutique will offer shoppers a complimentary personalised Christmas bauble when they spend £30 or more across Eastgate Square that day. The activity will run from 11am to 4pm

On Saturday 5 December, the familiar Christmas troublemakers Harry and Marv will roam the shops, posing for photographs, winding up the grotto elves and causing plenty of mischief.

On the same day, The North Pole Glitter Bar will offer free glitter makeovers for both children and adults.

Young bakers can get creative at The Christmas Cookie Factory on Sunday 6 and Saturday 19 December, with free workshops giving children the opportunity to decorate three festive 3D biscuits to take home.

On Sunday 13 December, Belle and Cinderella will perform two magical live performances, featuring songs from their own films and Christmas classics, alongside opportunities to meet the princesses and capture festive photographs.

Santa's Gift Wrapping Station will open on Sunday 20 December, with complimentary gift wrapping available for shoppers spending £30 or more across the centre that day.

Alongside the headline activities, the Salvation Army Band will fill Eastgate Square with traditional Christmas music on Saturday 28 November and Saturday 12 December.

Lisa Rogers, Centre Manager at Eastgate Square, said: "We're always looking for ways to make the centre even more special, and this year we've added some beautiful finishing touches to our Christmas scheme.

"We're so pleased with how everything has come together, and we hope it helps make Christmas shopping in Chester feel that little bit more magical."

• Every Friday from 20 November - 'Feelgood Fridays' with live music from 1pm to 3pm
• Saturday 21 November - The Great Gingerbread Giveaway from 11am to 4pm
• Saturday 28 November and Saturday 12 December - Salvation Army Band from 12pm to 2pm
• Sunday 29 November - The Christmas Bauble Boutique from 11am to 4pm
• Saturday 5 December - Harry & Marv: The Eastgate Bandits from 11am to 4pm
• Saturday 5 December - The North Pole Glitter Bar from 11am to 4pm
• Sunday 6 and Saturday 19 December - The Christmas Cookie Factory - free biscuit decorating sessions
• Sunday 13 December - Once Upon a Christmas: Belle & Cinderella from 11:30am to 3:30pm
• Sunday 20 December - Santa's Gift Wrapping Station from 11am to 4pm
• 19-22 November: Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Holiday Wonderland
• 20 November-24 December: Grotto on the Square

Full event details, including session times and further information, can be found here.