InSwindon BID have confirmed there will be no official Christmas lights switch on this year.

Instead, there will be a number of festive activities taking place in the town centre, which start today (Thursday).

This includes a Christmas lights trail in wich thousands of illuminations will light up the streets in the centre of town including The Parade, Canal Walk, Regent Street and Bridge Street until December 31.

The organisation, funded by town centre businesses to promote the area, say there will be a number of photo opportunities at Wharf Green, Newbridge Square, the Town Hall and Regent Circus amongst others with a selection of 3D illuminations, festive characters and light projections to take you on a spectacular journey all around the area.

There is a handy trail map, directing you to the locations which is available around the town.

But there will be no official Christmas lights switch on ceremony, unlike in previous years before the pandemic.

Swindon Advertiser:

In 2019, hundreds of excited families packed into Wharf Green as JLS star Aston Merrygold officially switched Swindon's festive lights on.

The event attracted people from far and wide and was capped off by a fireworks display.

Swindon Advertiser: Fireworks over Swindon's tented market in 2019.Fireworks over Swindon's tented market in 2019. (Image: Newsquest)

The lights will switch on during the day today (Thursday).

A spokesperson for inSwindon BID said: "All of our festive activities have been planned to support our BID area businesses during trading hours.

"To accompany the new to Swindon Town Centre, 4-day Christmas Market, the Christmas lights will switch on during the day of Thursday 17th Nov and will continue with an ongoing trail until the end of December."

Additionally, singers from Vocal Works Gospel Choir will be entertaining shoppers and businesses with a festive array of Christmas music & carols around a 43ft Christmas tree at The Parade.

The Choir will be performing three 45-minute sets from 3pm – 6pm on Thursday to Saturday and then 12pm – 3pm on Sunday.

The BID team have also teamed up with Cotswold Markets as they bring some sparkle to the streets with more than 50 stalls open from 9am – 7pm daily and then 10am – 5pm on Sunday stretching from Crossroads by MetroBank following the Christmas Lights trail route.

Santa will be making a special appearance along with his reindeer at Swindon Hub at the Parade until Sunday. The special experiences include lots of fun for all the family meeting the Totally Crazy elves, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and receive a special gift.