EXCITEMENT is building as St Austell prepares to light up for Christmas.
The big switch on of the festive lights in the town centre will be taking place on Saturday, November 30, at 5pm.
Free entertainment and activities for children are being provided in Aylmer Square on the day which is being organised by St Austell BID (Business Improvement District), which is headed by Annette Miller, and the White River Place shopping centre, where Bill Holland is the manager.
Bill said: “White River Place is delighted to be hosting the ever-popular St Austell lights switch on event on Saturday. As a continuation of partnership working with St Austell BID and the town council, the event which will kick off at 11am will provide free activities such as live music, street entertainment, children’s rides, face painting and balloon modelling, culminating in the ‘main event’ at 5pm.
“There will be a host of other activities across the town including a ‘Winter Wonderland’ in the parish church, a Christmas Street market and Christmas fun at the Market House. There is free parking from noon in both White River Place car park and Priory car park. We look forward to enjoying this event with the people of St Austell.
“Free family entertainment will continue on the first three Saturdays in December between noon and 5pm. The free parking will also continue from noon on December 7, 14 and 21 at White River Place and Priory car parks too!”
The mayor of St Austell, Cllr Julian Young, will be switching on the lights on Saturday.
Looking forward to the event, Cllr Young said: “The St Austell Christmas lights switch on is a much-loved annual event that brings the community together to kick off the holiday season in style.
“We’ve got an incredible line-up of entertainment and activities planned, and we can’t wait to see the town come alive with Christmas cheer.”
Among those performing will be the Sandy Hill Choir, St Austell Town Band, Small Wonder and Morpheus.