Christmas in Farnham will officially begin on Saturday 22 November when the town’s brand new lights for 2014 are switched on by CBBC presenter Chris Johnson.

Chris, who is playing Buttons in The Harlington Centre’s production of Cinderella and fellow cast members, will take to the stage in Gostrey Meadow at 4.15pm. The cast will sing, dance and entertain the crowd in the lead up to the official switch-on at 4.30pm.

The build up to the switch-on will start at 1pm with live music by the local group Voice and Keys. The music will continue with children from local schools singing Christmas songs and traditional carols. There will also be dancing and performances by local dance and theatre groups.

The cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from the Princes Hall, Aldershot will give away free goodies and will mingle with the crowd before appearing on stage at 3.50pm.

Councillor Jill Hargreaves, Lead Member for Tourism and Events says: “As well as the entertainment on stage, there will be a number of side stalls and fairground rides. Children will be able to visit Santa’s grotto and hand deliver their Christmas letter in person. There will also be a live nativity scene where children can meet Mary and Joseph and their animals.

I would like to thank our sponsors Personnel Selection, Hawthorns Cars, Trueman and Grundy Estate Agents and The Packhouse. It is through their support that we are able to hold an event that can be enjoyed by so many of our residents.”

Throughout the afternoon a variety of food will be served including freshly cooked noodles, cakes and roasted chestnuts. Warming mulled wine will be sold to raise money for Post-19, which is the Mayor of Farnham’s charity.

Further details, including a schedule showing the timings for the afternoon’s entertainment can be found on our Christmas in Farnham pages.