THIS year's Devizes Christmas festival and lantern parade is set to sparkle for a whole afternoon and evening as the light switch-on reaches new levels on Friday.

Hundreds of people will take part in the lantern parade which for the first time will set off from Sidmouth Street instead of Long Street at 6.15pm. A number of people who want to take part have been taking advantage of free workshops organised by Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts.

Artistic director Loz Samuels said: "This is my first Christmas Festival, I’ve heard so much about it, I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come to life.

"We are bringing back some of the large lanterns that are old favourites, with a bit of repair and a spruce up they should look spectacular.

"I’ve been helping out with the workshops in schools and with community groups, it is fantastic hearing peoples stories about the event, it seems much loved and hugely popular. All we need is the weather to be on our side and we are guaranteed a fantastic evening."

Friday fun will start at 2pm when stalls selling festive goodies, food and drink will be in the Market Place and the Corn Exchange. Father Christmas will be in his grotto at Albion Place between 2.30pm and 5.30pm while entertainment will start in the town centre at 5pm as everyone gears up for the lantern procession to start.

It will will weave its way around the town before Father Christmas switches on the lights at The Bear Hotel at 6.45pm and then fireworks will light up the sky.

Ms Samuels pointed out that the Christmas Festival depends on fundraising and she urged people to donate.

She said: "People may not know though that each lantern costs DOCA £4.50 to produce in materials alone and we provide all the materials, lights and tuition for free.

"As a charity, we have fundraised very hard to pay for all our materials and all the events we produce, including the International Street Festival and Carnival. We would be very grateful if people could donate what they can to help sustain both the lantern parade, and next year’s summer events, all of which are unique and benefit Devizes socially and economically."

DOCA is also supported by Devizes Town Council to put on the festival and lantern parade.