Residents and businesses in Stockbridge have rolled up their sleeves to prepare an exciting evening of entertainment for their annual lights switch-on.

The event, on Friday, December 6, will start at 3.45pm when the Bells of St Peters & Paul chime a welcome to the Tractor rally and call Santa to his grotto in the Town Hall, where he’ll be handing out presents from 4pm until 7pm.

Cinderella will be sweeping in to meet locals and this year Father Christmas will be giving out presents and certificates to the children after they pass through the ‘Naughty or Nice Machine.’

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At 6pm, the Revd Joe Sweetnam will be joined by Santa to officially turn on the Christmas tree lights. The High Street will be alive with music with brass bands, choirs, bell ringers, and opera singers, while the cast of Beauty and the Beast will be touring among the crowds.

The community is also invited to join festive carol singing, outside the church, led by children from Stockbridge Primary School. The church will be open for hot drinks and traditional mince pies afterwards.

Several of the shops are providing street food and hot chocolate and gluwein from 4pm onwards. This year the businesses of Stockbridge have helped Santa to ensure that every child that attends Stockbridge Primary School receives a wrapped present.

Organisers hope the occasion will be well supported: "This is a wonderful free-to-attend Christmas Event that brings together the Community, Businesses, Charitable Organisations, and the Council with one simple aim to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all on the day."