CORSHAM is set to light up with Christmas spirit when it switches on its festive illuminations.

The big day, on Friday, December 4, will start at 5pm with a Christmas market along High Street and donkeys, reindeer, a grotto and games in the Martingate Centre before the switch on at 6pm.

There will also be late-night opening of some of the shops, food and drink with music and entertainment on a stage outside the Town Hall.

Sharon Thomas, head of community services for Corsham Town Council, said: “From our point of view it is one of our best events of the year.

“There is a real buzz around the town. It brings hundreds of people together and is a really good happy family event.

“When all the lights come on it is magical. It’s not too commercial. It is a proper Corsham event.”

The lights will be switched on by the winner of the children’s Design a Christmas Card Competition, whose design will be the Town Council’s official Christmas card for this year.

Ms Thomas, who has helped set up the event for four years, said: “It has got bigger and better every year. It is worth all the effort. Everybody wants to come and have a good time.

“It is good for the restaurants in town. This year we tried very hard. We are promoting all of the town centre.”

There will also be a lot of live music with performances from Rusty Shackle, Corsham Panto, Prima Dance Troupe among others.

Corsham Windband will also be performing, from 6.15pm, playing Christmas carols around the Christmas tree in the Martingate Centre.

This Saturday November 28, the Wishing Tree will be open for business, from 10am-1pm. Children – of all ages – can write down their Christmas wish, which will be put it in a bauble, and hung on the High Street’s Christmas tree, outside Right Angle Picture Framers.

Wishes are free, but donations for this year’s Chairman’s Charity, Dorothy House, will be gratefully received.