TONIGHT'S the night for the Andover Christmas lights switch-on and it promises to be a fun event for all the family.

Santa and his reindeer will again be the star attraction in the parade, which sets off from Bridge Street at 6.55pm, and he will be joined by the winners of the Mayor's Christmas Card competition.

Following behind in a Jaguar car will be the Carnival Prince, Princess and attendants.

From 6.30pm the crowd will be entertained by Test Valley Youth Brass playing carols and they will be joined by children from local schools. When the parade reaches the Guildhall Showtime begins, leading up to the grand switch-on at 7.30pm.

As well as all the pre switch-on entertainment and the official ceremony with TV personality Andy Craig, there will also be a family disco in the High Street (weather permitting) from about 8pm until an anticipated finish at 10pm.

The organisers are keen to ensure everyone gets the best from the event and are asking that people buying food, drinks, balloons, glow sticks and similar merchandise only buy from authorised vendors who will be wearing yellow flourescent vests.

And in a bid to help cover the costs of the entertainment, street collectors will join the procession and spectators are urged to dig deep and be as generous as possible.

To enable the roadshow and stage to be prepared the High Street will be closed from 3pm until the following morning and Bridge Street will closed from 6pm until 8pm.