A SLEIGH carrying an ice Queen accompanied by soldiers and elves carrying lanterns will parade through the centre of Trowbridge as the Christmas lights are switched on on December 5.

The lantern parade along Fore Street is just one of a host of spectacular events planned for the town centre during the festive period.

The parade will take place at 6pm on Saturday, December 5 before the lights are switched on at 6.30pm.

The identity of the person switching on the lights has not been revealed yet, but it is thought to be an actor involved in a production at Bath’s Theatre Royal over the festive period.

As usual the town will be covered in snow, there will be a festive market and Father Christmas will be in his grotto with his reindeers until 8pm.

There will be choirs singing carols throughout the day and then in the evening the main stage will have singers, entertainers and stilt walkers to keep the crowds amused.

Steve Nash, community services manager at Trowbridge Town Council, said: “We are trying to create a feelgood factor that will benefit residents and local businesses as well as bringing the community together for a special event.”

In the run-up to the event, a French market will be held in Fore Street from November 26-28 with stalls selling traditional French fare such as cheese, bread, olives, soaps, wooden toys, pashmina scarves and other gifts.

Then from December 5-13 the Christmas market will bring stalls selling food, jewellery, ornaments, toys and gifts to the town.

And on December 6 there will also be an Italian market in the centre, with treats on offer such as food, clothing and toys.

The town council is looking for businesses in the town centre to get their windows covered in ‘snow’ to add to the Christmassy feel. Anyone interested should call Steve Nash on 01225 711100.