IT is the season of mince pies and mulled wine and Marlborough is gearing up to welcome the festive season in style.

The Marlborough lights committee and local organisations, as well as the Town Council, have been working hard all year to organise the event to bring the community together and there will be plenty of fun and frolics for people to enjoy.

Twinkling lights, choruses of carols and a visit from Father Christmas will see the town come alive and throngs of visitors gather to see the spectacular light switch-on at 7pm on Friday, November 20, in the High Street.

There will be free parking around the town as the High Street will be closed from 3pm until 9pm so Father Christmas can park his sleigh in front of the Town Hall and greet youngsters inside his magical grotto from 3pm to 8pm. There may also be an appearance from an elf or two.

Santa’s visit has been organised by the Marlborough and District Rotary Club and costs £5. Booking is free and you pay for tickets on the door. To choose a time slot go to: rotarysanta2015.eventbrite.co.uk

The main stage, where Marlborough’s mayor Margaret Rose is going to switch on the lights, will be in front of Lloyds Bank and the winner of the Citizen of the Year award will also be announced beforehand at 6.50pm.

St John’s Youth Brass Band, Marlborough Community Choir and the Phoenix Band will fill the High Street with glorious music from 5pm and youngsters from the Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama will once again put on an impressive performance.

There will be plenty of mince pies, mulled wine and hot drinks to warm people up and there will also be a Christmas market in the centre of the High Street from 10am to 8pm so people can pick up presents, while youngsters can enjoy fun fair rides from 5pm to 8pm.

The Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community are also holding a pop-up cafe outside the Jubilee Centre.

Cllr Rose said: “We hope that people will come and bring their families, it will be a lovely evening. We do not have the budget some big towns have, so we really work hard to make it a successful evening by being resourceful.

“The more people, the more vibrant the High Street will be."

Ramsbury Primary School are also hosting a Christmas fair on Saturday, December 5, with stalls, food and a raffle from 11am to 2pm.