RESIDENTS of Trowbridge are being urged to help spread a bit of Christmas cheer by taking part in the town’s annual lantern festival.

This year’s procession on Friday, November 18 will see hundreds of beautiful, colourful, handcrafted willow lanterns paraded through the town centre led by a lively and colourful samba band.

Bringing a carnival feel to proceedings, the parade will bring together the Trowbridge community to share in the magic of Christmas and spread light throughout the town.

Organisers said: “We hope this year’s Trowbridge Lantern Festival and Christmas lights switch will be bigger and better than ever.”

The lantern festival acts as a forerunner to the switching on of the town’s Christmas Lights display in the Town Park.

It’s designed to get Trowbridge residents and visitors ready for the festive season and culminates in a firework display in the park.

Selwood Housing is sponsoring the event, which brings together the whole community in celebration.

To coincide with the Lantern Festival, the Sensory Garden at the rear of Trowbridge Town Hall will be open to the public.

Visitors will be able to enjoy its annual seasonal display of over 400 tea lights, lanterns and fairy lights.

To find out more, visit the Trowbridge Town Council website.