HUNDREDS of people will take to the streets of Devizes tomorrow (24) when the town’s winter parade and Christmas light switch-on is held.

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts made sure that no-one who wanted to carry a lantern would miss out by holding a number of workshops in the lead up to the big day.

On the day there will be entertainment from 5pm and the parade will start at 6.15pm with the lights switch-on at 6.45pm.

Thousands of people will be out and about no matter what the weather brings. Ms Samuels said: “Attracting crowds of up to 3,000 and celebrating the start of the festive season, Devizes Winter Parade boasts one of the region’s biggest lantern processions.

Artistic director Loz Samuels said: “A river of hundreds of beautiful creations, made by community participants will wind its way through the town, collect Father Christmas en route and arrive back in the Market Place for the Devizes Christmas Lights switch on.

“Our Christmas markets are a great place to get special hand made gifts created by local craftspeople and makers.”

Devizes Town Band, performers from Circomedia and Fantasy Radio will be in the Market Place from 5pm. The parade will start to form in Sidmouth Street at about the same time and move off, led by Santa, at 6.15pm.

The Market Place will host entertainment from 5pm including Devizes Town Band, Fantasy Radio and performers from Circomedia. Ms Samuels said: “The biggest and most beautiful lantern parade in Wiltshire will wind its way from Sidmouth Street to the Market Place. Follow this magical spectacle with hundreds of lanterns made by local schools, community groups and individuals follow them to the big lights switch-on.”

Santa will arrive in the Market Place followed by giant lanterns in the shape of elephants and horses and followed by a sea of smaller lights ready for the switch-on at 6.45pm,which will be followed by fireworks.

Earlier in the day Christmas markets will start at 12.30pm in the Market Place and 2.30pm in the Corn Exchange. In the open air Market Place there will be stalls selling gifts, Christmas decorations, food and drink until 8.30pm.

In the Corn Exchange there will be hand-made goods on sale until 8.30pm.