THE exciting programme for Christmas in Crediton Lights Switch-On event today Saturday, November 30 gets underway at 1pm with the lights being switched on at 5pm.

Before then, there are a lot of free activities for children, many stalls and a full programme on the music stage.

This 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.

This year’s event is longer, flounder with more to see, do and eat than ever before.

Jo Davey, on behalf of Crediton Town Council said: “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 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.

All children are invited to take part in the lantern parade, carrying a torch if not a lantern.

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.

There will be a Children’s Competition plus a Star Hunt during the afternoon. Forms will be available from Santa’s Grotto.