THE fun-filled activities planned by the Wellington Independent Traders to herald the start of the festive shopping period will be followed by the town council’s switch-on of the town centre Christmas lights on Saturday, December 3.

High Street will be closed to traffic from 4pm to enable a variety of activities to take place.

Father Christmas will be arriving to take his place in his grotto, escorted by Wellington Majorettes, who will give a Christmas-themed display. Music and entertainment on the trailer will be provided by the award-winning Wellington Pantomime Society.

Once again, Langford Lakes has given a Christmas tree for the town centre and the massed choir of Beech Grove Primary School will lead the carol singing around the tree.

The Christmas message will be given by Beech Grove pupils and will herald the start of the Christmas sheep competition organised by Churches Together.

The Celebration of Light in the Quaker Meeting House will begin during the evening with the lighting of candles in peace garden.

New this year will be a double-decker play bus provided free of charge for all the children.

The lights will be switched on at 6pm by town Mayor Cllr Bob Bowrah helped by two Rockwell Green Primary School pupils.