Welshpool will switch on its Christmas lights on December 2 and it will be followed by the annual Winter Festival the next day.
The lights are to be switched on by Welshpool’s Carnival Queen, Sian Williams, at the Town Hall with the evening starting from 5pm with a ‘Winter Wonderland’ in the Corn Exchange consisting of Santa’s grotto (free of charge, 5pm-5.45pm but spaces are limited) and a children’s craft area.
At 6.15pm, a procession which includes the Newtown Youth Band, reindeer and Santa, will leave the Tourist Information Centre, arriving at the Town Hall ready for the lights to be switched on by the Carnival Queen at 6.30pm.
Following the lights, the Corn Exchange will again open for visits to Santa’s grotto and craft activities. Refreshments will be on sale in Welshpool’s Indoor Market, with the market stalls also open throughout the evening for Christmas shoppers.
From 6.30pm, for a better view of the lights, a vintage open top bus will make trips around the town free of charge.
The following day, the Winter Festival will take place from 10am to 4pm, with street, craft and charity stalls, entertainers and more.
The Rotary Club of Welshpool will officially launch the Tree of Light 2106 at 10.30am on the Cross, with carols and mince pies.
Entertainment includes performances from Buttington Musical Theatre, local singers Rebecca Melia and Eleri Willson and Adiict dance group. The open top bus will again make trips around the Town Centre free of charge.
A new addition to the event, a music ‘stage’, will be located on Hall Street, with local bands performing throughout the day.
Building on the success of last year, Puzzle Square shopping area will again host musical performances, with carols by their Christmas Tree at 3.30pm.
On the street keep a look out for Sylvesta the Jester and Father Christmas.