Countdown has begun for the big switch-on of Weymouth's Christmas lights

The event on Saturday, December 1, an afternoon of family entertainment in the town centre, is organised by the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the borough council.

Live performances featuring local groups and schoolchildren in New Bond Street square outside Debenhams will build up to the switch on next to the Christmas tree at 4.30pm.

Stars of this year’s Weymouth pantomime including Andy Abraham, plus Carnival Queen Elysia Munday, the singer Sophie, local dignitaries and of course Father Christmas will be there to help press the plunger and officially launch the festive season in the resort.

Chamber of Commerce members Alison Cocks and Trevor Matthews have worked to turn the event into an afternoon of entertainment to encourage families to stay longer in the town.

This year they are delighted to welcome back the seafront land train to proceedings after a break of two years. The land train, which is now operated by the Sea Life Centre, will bring VIPs from the Pavilion on the afternoon of the switch-on in a procession also featuring classic and vintage vehicles courtesy of the Transport of Yesteryear group.

Mrs Cocks said: “It promises to be a great day. It’s really the start of Christmas for Weymouth when the lights are turned on and making everything feel festive.

“We’d like to thank everyone who is supporting the event and we hope that families will come down and join in the fun.”

Entertainment will start at 12.30pm and the line-up includes Punch and Judy shows from Professor Mark Poulton, Julie Storey’s Let’s Dance group, the Spirit of Life community band, plus carols from children of St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary School and the Weymouth Operatic Society. There will also be an appearance from the singer Sophie who was last seen entertaining crowds at Weymouth Carnival.

A collection will be made on the day for the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland’s chosen charities, Julia’s House and Osprey Leisure Centre.

The switch-on comes before the Weymouth Christmas Sparkle which is on Thursday, December 13.

The shopping and charity event features a children’s lantern parade, family activities, music, school choirs and festive treats.