NEWTON Abbot is gearing up for further festive fun and games this Saturday with live music and free family-friendly crafts.
The Salvation Army Brass Band will be offering a traditional musical backdrop between 10am - 12 noon, followed by The Spectrum Music Concert Wind Band until 2pm.
The Kingskerswell-based outfit specialises in swing, popular, stage and screen music.
They perform year-round at festivals and other events throughout the southwest and beyond.
At 12 noon the popular dog-friendly carol service is set to return to Wolborough Street with an appearance by members of the Ipplepen-based charity Animals in Distress.
The carolling will be led by close harmony group Forte who, earlier in the day, will also be performing outside Lloyds Bank.
Yet more rhythm will fill the streets in the afternoon, courtesy of the Japanese Taiko drummers in the afternoon, while for those who fancy a few minutes’ serenity, Santa’s Grotto will be open for people to pop inside and take a selfie in his cosy fireside chair.
The great man himself won’t be in residence however but is set to return between 6pm - 8pm on both Wednesday December 14 and December 21.
Community artist Kate Green will most definitely be setting up stall though, helping families to create their own unique Christmas decorations, free of charge thanks to support from Newton Abbot Town Council.
‘There’s so much to enjoy in Newton Abbot this Christmas and we look forward to seeing happy families thronging the streets,’ said Town Development Manager Sally Henley.
For full details of the town’s festive programme visit www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.