A SPARKLING lantern procession ushering in the Christmas spirit in Devizes could involve more than 250 people after organisers succeeded in getting a grant for workshops.

The Devizes Christmas Festival on the evening of November 26, will be a complete departure from the Christmas Market that has filled the Market Place, Brittox and High Street in the previous two years.

Dave Buxton, chairman of the Christmas festival committee under the aegis of Devizes Development Partnership, applied for grant aid to finance the workshops for schoolchildren and adults. Last week he heard that two of the funding bodies have come up trumps.

He said: "A number of schools have already said they are keen to take part, as are some local community groups, who regularly participate in Devizes Carnival.

"The town wanted something different to the Christmas markets we have had for the last two years. Several towns across the country have celebrated Christmas with lantern-lit processions and the lanterns are often designed on a theme."

Father Christmas will sit in his grotto in Albion Place, Sidmouth Street, until the procession leaves from the High Street at 6.30pm.

Santa will appear on the balcony at the Bear Hotel to switch on the Christmas lights.

English Civil War re-enactment society The Sealed Knot will be holding a dinner at the hotel on that night and has agreed to take part in the Christmas festival. Other entertainment will include carol singing by school and community choirs.

Mr Buxton said: "There will be some stalls, but from local companies, rather than imported ones. There will be a farmers' market and the Bear Hotel will have stalls."

The lanterns used in the procession will be made of cane covered with paper and lit by a battery-operated bulb. Anyone interested in taking part in the workshops should call Mr Buxton on (01380) 723099.

He said: "Even if you can't make it to a workshop you can still take part even if you have nothing more than a torch."