THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out tomorrow evening for the Devizes lantern parade which will leave Sidmouth Street at 6.15pm.

Loz Samuels artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Art said: "We are expecting some fantastic lanterns. A lot of schools have got involved and some of them are being very ambitious with their creations."

A giant flamingo, dodo and dinosaur will be among the creations certain of causing a stir as they take to the streets. The procession will end in the Market Place ready for Father Christmas to turn on the lights from the top of a specially made chimney.

Last year there were a few logistical problems with the placing of the chimney but Ms Samuels she was confident these have been iron out for this year.

Christmas markets will be open from 12.30pm and for the first time Illumaphonium will be staged outside St John's Church from 2pm to 8pm. It is an interactive, multi sensory, music making installation.