Quay will be bursting with Christmas spirit in Bideford

Bideford’s Christmas Lights Switch On takes place this Sunday (December 3) and will run throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

From 12noon until 7pm, The Quay will be filled with fairground rides, the funhouse and the Terminator, plus fairground food traders, Jubilee Square will be home to local food producers and crafts stalls - including the Fizzy Pheasant providing festival cocktails, North Devon Hog Roast and Deanies Delights.

At 5pm the lights will be switched on by children nominated by the event partner charity Little Willows Wish Charity - the charity will be there on the day raising awareness of the outstanding work they do.

There will be performances from Bideford Town Band and Bideford Youth Pipe Band, which will also be leading the traditional Christmas parade.

The parade starts from Jubilee Square at 5.30pm and will head along the Quay, up the High Street, along Mill Street, down Bridgeland Street and back along the Quay to finish at the square.

All are welcome and organisers would love to see as many people dressed up as possible. Some props are available to be used in the parade and these can be collected from the start point

Santa and his jovial elf will also be present - keep an eye out for Santa’s Grotto! He will be joining the parade too, thanks to Evans Transport which has arranged a ride for him!

There will also be circus workshops on the quay, stiltwalker and special guests.

Live music and entertainment at the Quay throughout the afternoon will include Oliver Wattley, Tettie, a burlesque performance, Westcroft School Choir, Louisa Hockins School of Performing Arts, Bideford Town Band, St Mary’s School Choir, Jacob Terry plus a Fire Show.

Local councils have arranged free parking on the day, with Bridge Street car park free from 10am (sponsored by Bideford Town Council) and all day at the Pill car park (sponsored by Torridge District Council). Quay and Manor Car Parks will be closed for the Christmas Lights switch-on event.