The final preparations are being made for Aylsham’s Christmas lights switch-on, which takes place on Friday, November 24.  

There will be craft stalls, hot drinks and mulled wine in the Town Hall, food vendors in the Market Place and further stalls down Red Lion Street. The stalls will open at 5pm, with the lights being switched on at 6pm. 

Many of the local shops will be staying open late so people can mix the festive atmosphere with some Christmas shopping. 

Music will be provided for the event by Aylsham High School students from their production of Oliver, the Vocalights Choir and Bill Downs. 

Santa’s grotto will be open from 5pm in its new location, the Green Room at the Town Hall, which is accessible from The Loke. Cash and card payments can be taken on the night. 

The popular Letter to Santa postbox will also be open on the night and will stay open until December 12. Details of what to include in your letter can be found on the town council website: aylsham-tc.gov.uk/events/letter-to-santa  

Donna Butcher, Events and Administration Officer at Aylsham Town Council, said: “I can’t quite believe that we’re at this time of year again already.  

“The past year has been difficult in different ways for many people, I hope that on this evening we can bring some Christmas cheer to the town and people will have fun and enjoy themselves.” 

The lights were put up by the Aylsham Christmas Lights Committee with the help of a band of volunteers.

Road closures will be in place from the following times to make it a safe event. Market Place will close at 2pm, Red Lion Street at 2.30pm and Bank Street/Penfold Street at 4pm.  

Bank Street/Penfold Street will reopen at 9pm and all the roads will be open again by 10pm.