CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and excitement is building as more and more details are released about the Christmas in Crediton events and Lights Switch-On on Saturday, November 25.

The Christmas in Crediton Sub-Committee of Crediton Town Council has been working hard organising the lighting up of the town and many will have already seen some Christmas cheer starting to appear with the trees and illuminations going up earlier than usual.

Children singing in the Town Square last year. AQ 9520
Children singing in the Town Square last year. AQ 9520 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

More than 120 illuminations will go up this year, ready for the Switch-On.

Many people enjoy taking part in the countdown to see the lights on the giant Christmas Tree placed in the Town Square and also view those in the immediate area of the Square.

Plans for the Switch-On event on or around the Town Square include some new events, activities and things to see.

The run down includes:

2pm - Official Opening on the Town Square

2pm - Elves and Snow King and Queen arrive

2.05pm - The Turning Tides Project

2.20pm - Punch and Judy Show (Council Offices)

2.25pm - Otter Morris

2.45pm - Sandford Sings

2.45pm - Puppet Making Workshop (Council Offices)

3.20pm - School Choirs Sing

3.40pm - Otter Morris

3.40pm - Punch and Judy Show (Council Offices)

4.05pm - Red Dirt Band

4.30pm - Lantern Procession and Parade with Otter Morris

4.50pm - Father Christmas

5pm - Lights Switch-On

5.10pm - Red Dirt Band

Until late - Late Night Shopping.

During the afternoon there will be some buskers playing at venues in Crediton High Street.

Busking slots are still available and full details can be obtained by emailing: [email protected] .

There will be children’s activities such as wrapping paper making and an Elf Hunt around the Town Square during the afternoon.

Scouts during last year’s Parade. AQ 9359
Scouts during last year’s Parade. AQ 9359 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

There will be a number of food and drink stalls on the Town Square during the afternoon and early evening.

Many children from local Primary Schools and pre-schools and town organisations will be taking part in the Lantern Procession.  They have been busy making lanterns at workshops organised by the Christmas in Crediton Committee.

Many High Street shops and those in other parts of the town have agreed to stay open late for the evening to enable people to take some time for Christmas Shopping.

A further Late Night Christmas Shopping Day evening has been arranged and will take place on Thursday, December 7.

The Christmas in Crediton Committee was pleased to be able to fund the free provision of trees and illuminations in the High Street and other parts of the town again this year.  The Committee acknowledges that some businesses do make financial contributions to help pay for the illuminations.

The tree and a full Town Square last year. AQ 9763
The tree and a full Town Square last year. AQ 9763 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

• Motorists are reminded that there will be a temporary prohibition of through traffic and parking in Market Street, Parliament Street and North Street from 12 noon to 7pm on Saturday, November 25 to enable the Christmas Lights Switch-On to take place.

Other Festive events taking place include:

November 25 - 10am to 2pm - St Nicholas Fair, Boniface Centre

November 25 - 2pm to 4pm - Santa’s Grotto, Creedy Centre

December 7-11 - Christmas Tree Festival, Crediton Parish Church

December 7 - Late Night Shopping, Crediton High Street

December 16 - 7pm - Town Band Concert and Tedburn Community Choir, Crediton Congregational Church

December 20-23 - CODS Pantomime, “Cinderella”, The Old Town Hall, book tickets online

December 22 - 7pm to 8pm - Town Band Carols in the Square, Town Square

December 23 - 10.30am - Town Band Busking Carols, Crediton High Street.

Crediton Town Council has been running a competition for children to design the Town Council’s official Christmas Card for 2023.

Two winners will be chosen and as well as their designs being used for this year’s Christmas cards, winners will also receive a book voucher.

Search “Crediton Christmas Card Competition” on YouTube to watch a video by Crediton Town Crier on how to design your image.

To enter, download an entry form from the website: www.crediton.gov.uk and return the design to the Council Offices in North Street by November 30.

All entrants must be 11 and under.

Volunteer marshals are wanted to help with the Christmas in Crediton event road closure.

If you think you could help for a few hours, please email: [email protected] or just call into the Town Council offices at 8 North Street, which is open between 10am and 2pm each day.

Everyone is invited to grab a tasty treat or a warming tipple and join in the countdown with Father Christmas to see the town’s new Christmas lights at their finest.