THE Christmas countdown will be truly under way in Weymouth in two weeks' time when the town hosts its annual Victorian Shownight.

The festive shopping and entertainment extravaganza organised by Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) and Roger Dalton Associates will again be held over two days - this year it's on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6.

Organisers are promising a bigger and better event.

And there's good news for families travelling to the event by car as there will be free parking in all council-owned car parks from 3pm on the Friday and all day Saturday.

A Christmas market and synthetic ice rink will open at 3pm on Friday before the lantern parade from Hope Square to New Bond Street.

This year's theme for the lanterns will be airborne Victorian travelling machines, and organisers are encouraging members of the public to make their own lanterns to join in the parade.

Seven local schools will take part in workshops to create Victorian-themed lanterns.

The town's Christmas lights will then be switched on that evening, and the next day Santa will arrive in town with two reindeer before the grotto opens at St Mary's Church. Saturday will see performances from local choirs and a Christmas market, plus the ice rink will be open.

This year the event has been part-funded by a £9,000 grant from the Arts Council which will be used, in conjunction with Emerald Ant, to create the lantern parade.

Weymouth Community Volunteers will be welcoming visitors whilst keeping the crowds under control and acting as Shownight Ambassadors together with the Weymouth BID Weyfarers.

The free parking offer from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is part of the nationwide event Small Business Saturday.

Council transport spokesman Christine James said: “Victorian Shownight is a great traditional Weymouth event and Small Business Saturday is a chance for small businesses to showcase themselves, and I fully encourage people to support both events.

“Having almost a whole weekend of free parking in the town is ideal for anyone who wants to come along and enjoy these events or spend some time in town doing Christmas shopping.”

For more information on Victorian Shownight call 01305 779410 or visit WeAreWeymouth.co.uk

DRAFT PROGRAMME

Friday December 5

3pm Event opens, main stage New Bond Street Christmas market and synthetic ice rink opens supported by a full programme of choirs, festive music and dance.

5pm The lantern parade leaves Hope Square for New Bond Street, arriving 5.45pm.

6pm The Mayor arrives and pantomime characters leads the countdown to switch on of lights in town centre (New Bond Street). A full programme of entertainment and street theatre continues in evening.

8.45pm Results of Victorian fancy dress and best window competitions

Saturday, December 6

10.30am Event opens, main stage New Bond Street 11am Santa arrives on his sleigh pulled by reindeer down St Mary Street to his grotto at St Mary's Church. Visitors will have an opportunity to pet the reindeer and there will be photo opportunities with Santa

Noon Santa will be in his grotto The ice rink, Christmas market and a full programme of entertainment and street theatre continues throughout the day.