Dovercourt Christmas Light switch-on

From 5pm to 9pm on Friday, December 1, Dovercourt High Street will be transformed into a Christmas themed fair.

The road will be closed to make way for street stalls and entertainment including dancing by Ballroom Business, Boogie Shoes Dance Academy, Harmonie Rose cheerleading.

Kirsti Ayling, from Create, which is organising the event, said: “It’s all happening in the town centre this year.

“It’s all about community engagement.

“We have bauble making on November 26 for the town Christmas tree, but people can make them at home too.

“I wanted it to be something that people could make into a tradition and come and see on the night.

“There will also be late-night shopping in the town until 9pm.

“And we really want children to take part in the wordsearch competition.

“The winners are picked out of a hat, one boy and one girl, to turn on the lights as the snow prince and snow princess of the Christmas lights event.” The night is also set to include children’s rides including a ferris wheel, a performance by Philip Hemmingway, carol singers and hot refreshments.

On the night Kirsti, dressed as Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, will be decorating biscuits next to the stage with children.

For the first time, Santa will have a grotto outside, in the town centre next to all the entertainment.

Kirsti added: “This year the event is called Santa is Coming to Dovercourt Town.

“Santa is arriving with the fire engine, which is staying and will be situated outside Original Factory Shop with the grotto.

“You’ll be able meet Santa for a gift, see his elves and live reindeer and post a letter to North Pole.”

The night will also see the town’s Christmas lights turned on at 7pm, which will include string lights across the road in the town centre and lights on the lampposts.

Entries for the wordsearch, available at Accent and Franklins in town and local schools, have to be submitted by Tuesday.

Craft and gift stall spaces are still available at £15. To book, call 07939 927200.