WHEN Father Christmas arrives for the switch on of Ledbury’s Christmas lights, this Saturday, he’ll get free parking for his sleigh, or for whatever mode of transport he arrives on.

In fact, there will be free parking all day for everyone on the town centre car parks, for the official start of the Christmas season in Ledbury.

The chairman of Ledbury Town Council, Cllr Nina Shields, has nothing but praise for the community team which has helped to make the big day possible.

She said: “I would like to thank Brenda Hill for chairing the working party and getting all the events organised.

“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure that an event like this runs smoothly.

“Thank you too, to everyone who has helped and to all those who are taking part in providing entertainment. All we need now is some dry weather.”

At the time of going to press, Saturday does look like a nippy day, with a maximum temperature of seven degrees Celsius and the chance of showers.

But that is unlikely to put off the hundreds of people who annually flock to the town centre to see the lights go on.

There is always a strong seasonal atmosphere by the Market House, in fact, as the countdown begins following the playing and singing of Christmas carols.

Last year, the event attracted around 2,000 people, according to a police estimate at the time.

The town’s Christmas lights will go on at 5.15pm, but the big build-up to the seasonal count down will start at 10am, with ‘Light up for Christmas’ lantern workshops in the Master’s House.

From 1pm and throughout the afternoon, Father Christmas will be meeting youngsters at Enchant and Allure in New Street.

And from 2pm to 4pm there will be more lantern making at the Market House.

The switch-on always comes with live entertainment, and at 3pm the Ledbury Dance Company will be performing at The Market House, followed by Dance 364 at 3.45pm

At 4.30pm, again under the Market House, Ledbury Brass Band; Ledbury Community Choir and the school choirs of Bosbury, Eastnor and Ledbury will be bring good cheer with carols and festive music before the lights go on at 5.15pm.