Christmas cheer will be spreading throughout the streets of Bradford on Avon this year, beginning with the big lights switch-on in Westbury Gardens at 6pm tomorrow.

Lights in The Shambles will illuminate the heart of the town and the river will shimmer with lights along the library car park, stretching along the Town Bridge.

Mayor John Potter said: “Last year we had trouble putting the lights up in several parts of the town. Now we have the right certificates they will go across Market Street and Silver Street. We are hoping it will be bigger and brighter this year.”

Last year’s guest was Olympic gold medallist Ed Mckeever, who pulled in crowds of 2,000 people. This year, the stars of Peter Pan from The Theatre Royal in Bath will help the crowd count down before lighting up the town.

Joining them will be the winner of a poster competition, run by the Chamber of Commerce, where children designed a poster to advertise the event.

Shops adorned with festive decorations will keep their doors open until 8pm for people to get started on their Christmas shopping and small decorated Christmas trees will once again appear on buildings throughout the town.

Santa’s grotto at the Tourist Information Centre will see children flock in with their Christmas wish lists every Saturday and Sunday in the run-up to the big day.

Businesses are being encouraged to adopt a Santa figurine for this year’s Santa’s trail, which will send visitors round the glittering streets, ticking off every Santa on the list that appears in shop windows. There will be a prize for the person who spots the most Santas.

On December 4 residents will take part in Bradford on Avon Art Festival’s Winter Wanderland. They will open their doors to showcase their decorations and share stories of their homes which are part of the town’s heritage. A silent auction will take place at The Fat Fowl afterwards.