Welshpool Xmas lights

The Christmas season will officially get underway in Welshpool this weekend when the lights go on Friday evening followed by the Winter Festival on Saturday.

And there’s a twist to this year’s big switch on, with the winner of a fancy dress competition to be invited to turn on the lights with Father Christmas. Kids aged between 4-10 years are invited to enter with a theme of ‘what Christmas means to me’.

“This could be The Nativity, Christmas tree, Christmas present, the list is endless,” said a town council spokesperson.

Judging will take place outside the Tourist Information Centre at 6.30pm before a procession will lead to the lights going on outside the Town Hall where Santa's Grotto will be open.

There will be plenty of activity continuing on Saturday with the petting zoo in Puzzle Square, street and indoor market/craft/charity stalls, various entertainment throughout the day, Santa's Grotto, storytelling and “much more” according to the Town Council.

There will also be a Christmas Fayre taking place at the Livestock Market with over 70 stalls taking part.