DEVIZES residents are being urged to take part in a lantern-lit procession that will form the highlight of a Christmas Festival in the town on November 26, which will culminate in the switching on of the town's Christmas lights.

Dave Buxton, chairman of the Christmas festival committee under the aegis of Devizes Development Partnership, has applied for grant aid to finance the workshops which will involve schoolchildren and adults.

Instead of arriving by narrowboat at Devizes Wharf, Father Christmas will sit in his grotto in Albion Place, Sidmouth Street, until the procession leaves from the High Street at 6.30pm.

The parade, led by the Boys Brigade Old Boys' Band, will proceed up Long Street, along Bridewell Street and Sheep Street, into Maryport Street, the Brittox and into the Market Place.

Santa will then appear on the balcony of the Bear Hotel where he will push the switch to turn on the town's Christmas illuminations, able to be seen by the whole crowd. Other entertainment will include carol singing by school and community choirs. Three choirs have confirmed so far.