The first details have been revealed for Old Town's Christmas lights switch-on event.

Festivities will take over Wood Street and the top of Victoria Road on Sunday, November 24, the hundreds are expected to gather for this year's Old Town Christmas Festival.

Running from midday until 6pm, the Christmas event will bring live music, entertainers, food and drink stores and rides to the streets, culminating in the official switch on of the Old Town Christmas lights.

The 2024 event will be a milestone for the annual festival, which will welcome a Ferris wheel for the first time.

Residents will now be able to admire the town's skyline and view the celebrations from up above, as well as trying out all the other funfair rides which will return from previous years.

Crowds gathered in Victoria Road for the 2023 switch-on eventCrowds gathered in Victoria Road for the 2023 switch-on event (Image: Dave Cox) 2024's mainstage headline act will be The Voice UK's Billy and Louie, who have spent the year singing their hearts out on our TV screens as part of Team Sir Tom Jones, while also continuing to run local choirs around Swindon.

Also performing on the main stage will be Oasish, the UK's number one Oasis tribute act, as well as Fayth Ifil, Ministry of Samba, Drew Bryant and Backbeat.

The event, which is a partnership between South Swindon Parish Council and the Old Town Business Association, is being sponsored by multiple local businesses including Los Gatos, Deacons, Domino’s, Charles Harding, and Sinewave.

"At the heart of the Old Town Christmas Festival is the ethos of community, family, and celebration," said a spokesperson for Old Town Business Association.

"Local businesses and residents come together to create a shared festive experience that has become a cornerstone of Swindon’s holiday season.

"It’s also a time for giving back, with this year’s event raising funds for the Prospect Hospice."

The 2023 lights were switched on by Divina De Campo, Udoka Godwin-Malife and other special guestsThe 2023 lights were switched on by Divina De Campo, Udoka Godwin-Malife and other special guests (Image: Dave Cox) In order to help cover the festival's costs and help to fundraise for future years, organisers are asking residents for a ticket donation of £1.25 per person.

It is these donations and fundraising which made it possible for a new carpet of LEDs to be installed on Victoria Road for last year's event.

Residents who get to the event early will be able to enter without pre-booking a ticket, but the festival has a maximum capacity and so buying a ticket ahead of time is recommended to avoid disappointment.

To purchase tickets, visit thisisoldtown.com/events/old-town-christmas-festival-2024.

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