Families in Swindon are being offered free festive food at a surprise event taking place at McDonald's. 

The fast-food chain is taking over five branches across the country, including the Orbital shopping centre restaurant, to offer an unexpected Christmas experience later this week. 

Working alongside Children in Need, McDonald's has launched a '#Reindeer Ready Christmas Card Tour' to spread festive magic by helping to capture the significance of friends and family around the festive season.

From 12-6pm on November 24, locals will be able to capture and take away a photo moment of them on Christmas cards to send to loved ones for Christmas at the North Swindon shopping park.

But people won't just be walking away with the custom-made Christmas cards, as there will be free food from McDonald's festive range on offer at every stop. 

The tour starts on November 23 in Colchester, before it heads to Swindon and then Derby, Llandudno and Doncaster. 

A press release from McDonald's about the event said: "Christmas isn’t about the big, expensive, or flashy – it’s the little moments of togetherness which really help you to get into the festive spirit.

"Whether it's family traditions of decorating the tree at home dancing to festive classics or heading out wrapped up to meet Father Christmas himself, McDonald’s understands how important these shared moments are.

"Looking to capture this, the McDonald’s UK tour will offer families free Christmas cards to take away to help get into the festive spirit."

Visitors will be able to choose from a selection of festive backdrops, where their photo will be taken by a professional photographer, and two short minutes later they will be handed a beautifully printed Christmas card to take with them.

They can then stop by the McDonald’s food van where they can tuck into free Festive Pies, Melted Cheese Bites and McNuggets.

If you can’t make those dates, head to ReindeerReady.co.uk where you can create the perfect Christmas e-card. Share on socials or download to your device. You can get creative with your background and sticker choices.

Those visiting the Christmas Card tour will also have the option to donate to BBC Children in Need via the QR codes on donation buckets. All donations going towards helping those children who need it most across the UK.

Swindon Advertiser: McDonald's planning a big event at Swindon storeMcDonald's planning a big event at Swindon store (Image: Newsquest)