THE final countdown to the switching on of Ilkley’s new festive lights has begun.

The Jubilee Lights have been dimmed in readiness for Father Christmas to visit and switch on the lights at 5pm on Saturday, November 24.

There will be plenty to enjoy during the afternoon before Santa arrives. The Bradford Concert Band will play popular and seasonal music at the bandstand between 1.30pm and 3.30pm before handing over to Nick Hancock from Stray FM.

He will host a programme of entertainment by local groups which will begin with a fabulous display by Ilkley Gymnastics Club. Singers from That Sing Thing and dancers from Performance Dance School will be also be performing.

Following last year’s success, local food and produce traders will once again be setting up their stalls around the bandstand and tempting you with seasonal treats and ideas for Christmas presents. In addition, David Lishman Butchers will be selling their prize winning hot dogs and Betty’s will be serving mulled wine to keep out the chill.

Guiseley Brass band will herald the arrival of Santa’s coach procession at Christchurch. Children and parents who wish to take part in this year’s procession are asked to carry some safe form of lighting (torches or battery operated lanterns). The procession will assemble in the War Memorial Gardens and depart at 4.50pm. Once again Santa invites all the children to visit him in his Grotto at Christchurch.

Ilkley Town Mayor, Cllr Steve Butler and members of the Town Council would like to thank all the volunteers and organisations for supporting the event. A Council spokesperson said: “We look forward to seeing you on November 24th and hope everyone will have a most enjoyable afternoon.”

* Ilkley’s first Christmas Tree Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24at St Margaret’s Church, Queens Road, Ilkley.

Over 20 trees will be on display, each lit up and decorated creatively by a local community group or charity. A programme of Christmas music by local musicians and singers will be performed, and refreshments will be available to purchase.

Members of the public may donate a fee of their choosing to visit the display, soak up the festive atmosphere and place their vote for the best decorated tree.

Run by volunteers, the festival is not-for-profit and donations will be distributed across the charities and community groups taking part.