HEMYOCK is gearing up for one of its busiest weekends of the year this weekend.

Saturday sees the traditional Christmas fair organised by St Mary’s Church with Culm Davy Chapel. It is at the parish hall from 2-4pm and will have stalls with everything from tombola, cakes and savouries to plants, books and pocket money toys.

The new Hemyock Cookbook – proceeds to the church – will be on sale and it is hoped to whet visitors’ tastebuds for the teas that will be available throughout the afternoon.

Hundreds of people are expected in the village during early evening when the Lights Brigade will parade with a display of lanterns made at workshops on the theme ‘Castle’.

The parade will leave from the Healthy Living Centre at Lower Millhayes at 6pm, ending at the village centre with the lighting of the church star. Food and drink will be on sale in and around the pub.

The parish church will welcome the local primary school and visitors to the annual Christingle service on Sunday at 4pm. The Children’s Society adopted the service as its Christmas symbol and this year marks its 50th year of use. A collection will be taken for the society’s work. Everyone is welcome, however young or old.