Hungerford to see a traditional Christmas light switch on for 2021

Hungerford will celebrate the advent of Christmas with its traditional lights switch-on this year.

Last year's was a virtual, online event due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

But town mayor Helen Simpson told a town council meeting on Monday night that the trees are due to arrive tomorrow (Friday) and the switch-on has been scheduled for Sunday, November 28, at 5pm.

There will be entertainment on the Town Hall steps from around 3.30pm onwards, including performances from the Town Band, threatre groups and school choirs.

The switch-on, which regularly attracts 2,000 visitors, will be performed by Roger Beard.

Mrs Simpson said: "Roger has given over 65 years of service to our community and that make him a celebrity in my eyes.

"I hope the town will give him a warm reception on the evening – he's one of life's good guys.

"We wrote him a formal invitation and he was so thrilled to be asked."

Actor and town resident Nicholas Lumley will compere the evening.

And for the first time in around 15 years, Santa will be touring the town on his sledge.

That used to be organised by the now defunct Round Table of Hungerford but the Rotary Club has taken over the organising.