A SPECTACULAR outdoor light trail is returning to Old Town this Christmas after last year’s popular launch.

More than 27,000 people visited the Town Gardens in December for an evening stroll admiring sculptures and interactive illuminations.

This raised more than £25,000 for Brighter Futures which went towards Great Western Hospital’s new Urgent Treatment Centre.

The event will return from December 2 to 31 and again support Brighter Futures, who will be running a winter raffle with a £1,000 top prize and selling stocking fillers.

Commonweal School’s car park will accommodate motorists for a £2 fee which will go to Prospect Hospice.

ShopSmall Swindon will set up stalls by independent sellers stocking last-minute Christmas present ideas.

Children’s author Kate Claxton will host storytime sessions in the Town Gardens Bandstand every Tuesday with her new book.

The Commonweal School, Kitty Langan Studio Performing Arts School, Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan, Rising Aspirations Academy of Performing Arts, and others will be performing.

Neil Hopkins is chair of South Swindon Parish Council’s leisure committee. He said: “We are delighted to be working with so many great local businesses and individuals.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to utilise so many great local people to create a spectacular trail for South Swindon this year.”

Kate Claxton added: “I'm really excited to be part of the Light Trail on a weekly basis.

“My book is a story of magic, nature and discovering lights in the night sky, so is perfectly themed for the trail.

“Children will be able to recreate the magic and wonder of both the trail and story with night sky crafts, and I'll be signing and selling copies of my books.”

Lisa Lowe from Ooh Lovely Lilo Ceramics will be one of the ShopSmall Swindon stalls.

She said: “We will be bringing a wonderful variety of local handmade christmas market stalls to the light trail.

“You will find us near the end of the trail. We have so many perfect gifts for you and your loved ones.”

Kenresa Stratford from Brighter Futures added: “Last year’s event was stunning and we all loved it, each of us had a favourite element. We’re looking forward to seeing how the trail has expanded and what’s in store for the town.

"We had a great time working alongside our fellow stallholders and the Light Trail team. At the end of the event, everyone felt like family.

To book tickets, search on Skiddle for Enchanted Gardens Light Trail 2022.