Annual Christmas lights switch-on coming up in Sidmouth this weekend

Sidmouth's annual Christmas lights switch-on is set to take place this Saturday (18 November).

Festivities will begin at around 3.30pm with Gliddon's Steam Traction Engine providing rides around the town from Market Place.

Steam engine rides will be on offer (STC)

Sid Valley Radio will provide music and entertainment from 4pm, and a new 'light parade' will be performed by Sidmouth College Year 7 students with Sidmouth School of Art from 4.45pm.

The draw for a 'golden ticket', a £100 voucher for Gliddon's Toy Shop on Church Street for local primary school children who will have received a ticket at school, will take place at 5.15pm.

The Christmas lights will then be switched on at 5.30pm by 97-year-old Olive Flynn and the Chair of Sidmouth Town Council Chris Lockyear.

A Sidmouth Town Council spokesperson said: "Sidmouth's Christmas light display and switch on is provided by Sidmouth Town Council, kindly supported by Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce. Thanks also go to Kings Garden Centre who have again generously provided the town's Christmas tree.

"Saturday 18 November is shaping up to be a sparkling tonic to the darker evenings and great start to the Christmas festivities in Sidmouth."