WE SHALL go to the Christmas ball... Weymouth is being transformed into a Cinderella-themed winter wonderland next month.

For the first time ever a festive fairy tale celebration will take adults and children on a magical animated journey around the town.

Six stages will see scenes from the popular children's classic brought to life by light, sounds and animation on the 'Cinder Trail.'

Organisers at Weymouth BID say a glass slipper princess will lead the first trail around the town, starting at 12pm when she will set off from a stage outside Debenhams on Saturday November 30.

The official switch-on of Weymouth's Christmas tree and lights will take place on Saturday at 5pm.

A packed weekend of entertainment will follow, continuing through until 4pm on Sunday December 1.

Acts performing during the weekend include Little Mix tribute band, ‘Black Magic’. A snow machine will provide a truly 'Christmassy' feel.

Discounted tickets for this year's Christmas pantomime - which is also Cinderella-themed - are being offered to those who complete the 'Cinder Trail'. The performance, being held at Weymouth Pavilion, follows Cinderella on a mission to make her dreams come true as she heads off to the royal ball.

And for anyone who says Weymouth is a one-trick Christmas pantomime horse - oh no it isn't! A Christmas in the Square event is being hosted on the other side of the harbour, following the success of last year's event.

Taking place in and around Hope Square, organisers at WeySOHO, Pilgrim House Trust and Weymouth BID say it will feature a festive food and gift market, plus family entertainment. It takes place from 12 - 5pm on Saturday November 30 and again on Sunday December 1.

With a traditional Victorian Christmas fayre taking place later in December, only Ebenezer Scrooge himself could fail to get into the festive spirit.

Taking place outside the Palm House Café near the Swannery on December 14 and 15, the free event will bring together food and craft stalls, a mini fairground, stage with live entertainment, mini steam train, snow machine and Santa's workshop - to name but a few.

Organisers at Weymouth Community Christmas Committee say it aims to blend Christmas of the present with Christmas from the past.

Claudia Webb, chief operations officer at Weymouth BID said: "We are all extremely proud and excited for Christmas this year.

"The Cinder Trail is a completely new concept and is going to be a beautiful temporary addition to our town."