AN EVENING of entertainment and festive fun will officially mark the start of Christmas in Newbury next week.

Live music will get into full swing at the 2012 Christmas Lights Switch-On from 4pm on Friday, November 30 - with performances from the Newbury Rock Choir and Kate Izzard.

A sparkling procession will wind its way from Newbury Methodist Church in Northbrook Street at 5.30pm and dazzle families when the parade arrives at the centre of the festivities in the Market Place at 5.50pm.

Onlookers will join the countdown and the Christmas lights will be switched on by Father Christmas and Newbury mayor Cllr Arthur Johnson at 6pm, followed by carols led by St Nicolas Church Choir and Watership Brass.

Children will be able to meet Father Christmas and two of his reindeer, while adults warm up with hot food, drinks, paella and doughnuts.

The event has been organised for the last time by Newbury Town Council, which will hand it over to town promotion team Business Improvement District (BID) Newbury to organise from next year.

Council leader Cllr Julian Swift-Hook said: "We know that the Christmas lights give enjoyment to lots of people and that they are a key part of the festive period in the town.

"As this will be the last time that Newbury Town Council organise this event, we are putting on something extra special this year.

"Newbury is a tremendous town with so much to offer at Christmas-time, so do come to the big switch-on, support our partners, enjoy the lights with your friends, and make a great night of it!" Radio station The Breeze Newbury is compering the event, and it is supported by GJB Haulage Ltd, Arena Seating, Newbury Rotary Club and Newbury Lions It is sponsored by BID Newbury, Crescent Signs Ltd and Stone Art Memorials.