Ilkley people are being reminded to set space aside in their diary to attend the official switch-on of the Ilkley Christmas Lights next week.

The town's festive illuminations will be lit up on Saturday, November 26, by this year's special celebrity guest, Sir Jimmy Savile.

The build-up to the ceremony will begin later in the afternoon, as Otley Brass Band get shoppers into the Christmas spirit when they play carols at the bandstand on The Grove. Ilkley singer Shirley Britton will also perform a few numbers on The Grove in the run-up to the lights being switched on.

The traditional parade will set off from Springs Lane at around 4.40pm, again expected to feature Father Christmas along with participants from local organisations. Sir Jimmy himself will then appear outside Christchurch to switch the lights on at 5pm.

There will be free

parking in the South Hawksworth Street car park on the day, enabling families to spend the afternoon doing some Christmas shopping in town, before gathering on The Grove to see the lights switched on.