THE festive season will officially get under way in Alton on Friday with the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

The annual switch-on ceremony starts at 5.45pm when Alton town crier Stan Whitcher will take to the stage to introduce Paul Le Feuvre, the compere for an evening of entertainment which will culminate in townsfolk seeing the light.

This year’s seasonal message will be delivered by the town mayor’s chaplain, Methodist minister Reverend Keith Underhill, and music will be provided by the Alton Salvation Army Band, with performances by the newly-formed Holybourne Singers’ Young Voices choir.

And Alton mayor Pam Jones will be joined for the official switching-on ceremony by a special guest in a red suit and snowy white beard.

Children’s funfair rides will be located in the adjacent Lady Place Car Park, adding to the festive atmosphere, and will continue operating until 8pm. And town stores will also be open for late-night Christmas shopping until 8pm thanks to an initiative spearheaded by the Alton Matters group.

PJ Grace Commercial and Domestic Garden Maintenance and Homes Estate Agents have sponsored the town’s two Christmas trees, which are located in the Market Square and at the Assembly Rooms.

The Christmas lights costs Alton Town Council in the region of £16,000 each year and businesses are being urged to contribute, either through a minimum donation of £25 or for a £90 donation which will get their name “up in lights” on a Christmas Shield in the High Street.

Derek Gardner, chairman of the town council’s community and events committee, said: “This year I am hoping that more local firms will want to support the sponsored shield scheme as it really is a great way of getting your name in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of people while supporting the town’s lights at the same time.”

The Christmas lights will be lit from 3pm to 11pm each day until 12th night, January 5.

To support Alton’s Christmas lights appeal, call Emily-Jane Messenger, of the town council, on 01420 83986 or e-mail [email protected].