THE town is gearing itself up for festive fun at this weekend's Christmas Lights switch on. A team of reindeer will be called upon once again to provide a proper Yuletide welcome for Santa as he comes to town.

The parade will head towards Bank Square where entertainment on stage will precede the turning of the town centre Christmas Lights.

The reindeer arrive in town at 2pm, and parents and children will be able to see them in the library gardens until the parade gets underway at 4pm.

The Christmas market will, for the first time, be situated adjacent to the reindeer pen in the gardens and will open from 10am to 4pm to encourage people into the town throughout the day.

Wilmslow town clerk, Matthew Jackson said: “Bringing reindeer to Wilmslow seems to capture the imagination of our children as demonstrated by the numbers that turn out each year.

"We believe that we should make a difference to residents of all ages and this annual event probably gives more fun to the under-10’s than everything else we do throughout the year.

“The introduction of the Christmas market is to bring people of all ages into the town throughout the whole day and help people to get in to the seasonal spirit by encouraging them to shop locally as much as possible over the festive period.”

Many local businesses will be entering in to the spirit of the event including the Old Dancer Bar who will be providing on street festive refreshments throughout the afternoon.

The switch on of the Christmas lights will take place at around 5pm and will be preceded by entertainment on the stage in Bank Square where the choir of St Anne’s Primary School, will be among the performers providing the entertainment.