THE exciting programme for Christmas in Crediton Lights Switch-On event on Saturday, November 30 has been announced - and there are a lot of free activities for children.

Jo Davey, on behalf of Crediton Town Council, said: “This year will be slightly different. The Christmas in Crediton event will be longer, louder, with more to see, do and eat than ever before.

“We have some fantastic entertainment, the Lantern Parade starting in North Street because we will have stalls in Market Street.

“Santa will be in his Grotto and all children will receive a free gift.

“There will be free children’s activities in The Hub and the Jam Babies music sessions will also be free.

“In addition there will be free face painting for children.

Additionally we have many vegan and gluten free options on the range of food stalls and we also welcome the return of the Three Little Pigs hog roast.”

Jo added that the event will begin at 1pm and run to 6pm with the Lights Switch-On at 5pm.

The full programme on the music stage includes:

1pm Official Opening, 1.05pm Otter Morris, 1.25pm The Turning Tides Project Band, 2.25pm Otter Morris, 2.45pm Etchechuria, 3.20pm School Choirs, 3.40pm Otter Morris, 4.05pm to 4.45pm Beatnxs, 4.45pm Procession of Light, 5pm Switch-On, 5.10pm Beatnxs, 6pm Finish.

The giant 30ft town Christmas tree was put up on Sunday, November 17, by Roger Lee and Roger Pennington, and has since been decorated by electricians Jo Ward and Ian Rogers.

The tree was supplied by Roger Lee from Sandford and has been paid for thanks to generous sponsorship by Ernest Jackson.

Jo and Ian have also put up the lights at the Green, on some of the shop and business fronts and in other parts of the town.

The Light Switch-On event will see more food stalls and more entertainment than ever before.

There will be a much-improved sound system that will play music around the Town Square and along the High Street.

The stage will be much bigger this year.

Rob Pudner of Entertainingly Different will be attending as Jack Frost with his snow machine.

Children are encouraged to go along and spot their lantern and carry it in the parade or they can take a torch or one of their own lanterns.

All children are invited to take part in the lantern parade.

There will be two bars and the increase in food stalls includes street food, Polish street food, Gin, Beer, fudge, craft stalls, cakes, Gelato (not ice cream!) and so much more.

The Town Council is running a Children’s Christmas Card competition and entries can be made online or during the day in Crediton Town Square. Entry forms can also be obtained from the Town Council office.

Forms are also being delivered to some local schools. There will be two age groups.

There will be a Children’s Competition, a Star Hunt during the afternoon on November 30. Forms will be available from Santa’s Grotto.

Jo thanked the sponsors, Crediton Dairy, Ernest Jackson and Hedgerow Print as well as other town businesses for their support. These include Adams Home Hardware, Helmores, Hotchkiss Warburton, Nikki Blanchford, Revive, The Ship Hotel and Crediton Chamber of Commerce as well as Crediton Town Council.