Sky Blues star Robbie Keane will light up Coventry this Christmas.

The 19-year-old record Coventry City signing and his popular team-mate Noel Whelan have been selected to turn on the Christmas lights on 21 November – and are expected to attract massive crowds.

The appearance of the two Sky Blue superstars, who will perform their duty along with Lord Mayor Councillor Joan Wright at 5pm, will spark a spectacular fireworks display.

Over £35,000 has been spent upgrading and improving the illuminations ready for the Millennium.

Liz Millett, chief executive of the City Centre Company, which organises the annual event, is confident there will be bigger crowds in the city centre than 12 months ago.

"I am sure that Robbie and Noel’s presence will make a difference to numbers. They are both very popular players and we are delighted they have agreed to come along on the day. I am a season ticket holder at Highfield Road and am looking forward to meeting them.

"I am delighted they have agreed to be our guests of honour and it will start the run-in to Christmas on just the right note.

"Hopefully they will then help beat Aston Villa the following day and chalk up three more points!

"Last year’s event was superb and there was an estimated crowd of around 15-20,000 so hopefully we will have more this year.

"We could have held the event on a weekday evening but we have always felt that the Christmas lights switch-on is a family event and Sunday is therefore more appropriate."

One of the most popular features of the switch-on is the Christmas procession, which will take place again this year.

Community organisations and local groups are busy organising Christmas floats for the procession which will start at 4pm in Little Park Street and travel along High Street, Broadgate, The Burges, Hales Street, Trinity Street and back along Broadgate.

Shirley Kent, Marketing and Communications Manager for the City Centre Company, has appealed for more help in organising entries.

"We would like to hear from any group keen to enter a float but also from hauliers who would be prepared to lend us vehicles and drivers for the event.

"Anyone interested should contact us on Coventry 833671."

Once again Mercia FM will provide music and compering from under the Broadgate Canopy where the switch on will take place.

Heart FM will supply music and there will be entertainment from noon until 6pm on the fountain stage.