CHRISTMAS is coming to Dawlish and the town is gearing up to celebrate.

It all begins with the Dawlish Christmas Light Switch-on event on Friday, November 26, from 4pm to 6pm.

This is organised by Dawlish Town Council and supported by local groups and individual volunteers.

A lantern parade will set the festive scene at 4.30pm. There will be an illuminated Nativity Scene, refreshments by Dawlish WI, free inflatables and, of course, Christmas carols to start spreading the Christmas cheer.

The lights switch-on is at 6pm and other events will be held weather permitting.

On the Saturday and Sunday, November 27 and 28, the town will be holding the Christmas Street Market which will feature more than 40 stalls on The Strand.

You can expect street entertainers, free face painting and inflatables, music, Father Christmas and much more from 11am to 4pm.

As well as the street market there will be fun activities taking place on the Lawn in the centre of Dawlish, with Father Christmas making a traditional appearance on the Sunday.

Tickets have also gone on sale for the Mayor of Dawlish Children’s Christmas Party on December 4.

Tickets are limited and cost only £3 to include music, entertainment, face painting, a party tea and a story from Father Christmas with a small gift.

Tickets are available from the Manor House Reception from 9.30am to 1.30pm, Monday or Friday.

Dawlish Mayor, Cllr Val Mawhood said:

After such a long difficult time we are at last emerging into happier days when we can once again celebrate Christmas. I am so pleased, as Mayor, to be able to enjoy this special season with you.

Dawlish Town Council has put together a Christmas Feast for us to enjoy. There will be something for everyone, adults and children including the wonderful Christmas Market in the Strand.

Everything kicks off on Friday 26th November with a beautiful lantern parade on the Lawn and the traditional switching on of the Christmas lights! The newly painted Bandstand will be home to a beautiful illuminated Nativity scene to remind us of the story behind our celebrations and we will be treated to the sound of children’s voices singing carols. This is almost guaranteed to bring tears to some eyes including my own! There will be food and fun a-plenty!

Saturday 27th, and Sunday 28th we welcome the street market with over 40 stalls selling a huge variety of things where you can begin your Christmas Shopping at your leisure and in earnest. Whilst you enjoy shopping the children can have their faces painted and play on inflatables and I am sure that we will all enjoy the music and be amused and amazed by the street entertainers.

Nothing would be complete without Father Christmas and I am told that he is planning to visit so we should all be very, very good.

Saturday 4th December there will be carol singing by the High C’s outside the Strand Centre, which will be hosting an antiques fayre. The singing should really put us in the mood for more shopping as we look for something special in our many local businesses.

They need our support and we need them to thrive and I am sure that there will be lots on offer, as always.

In the afternoon the Mayor’s Childrens’ Party will be held inside the Strand Centre when there will be lots of fun things going on.

Psst! Father Christmas has also promised to visit!

Look out for the posters and have fun. See you there!