A PARADE of Christmas lanterns decorated with love by local children will launch the Woolston Christmas Festival this afternoon.

The Mayor of Southampton Cllr Ivan White will then switch on The Daily Echo backed Communicare Tree of Light at the event, which Woolston Traders promise will be bigger and better than ever before.

Santa will be in his grotto giving gifts to all the children. There will be a traction engine, fairground rides, balloons and face painting to keep the little ones entertained.

For the adults, there will be mulled wine, mulled cider, hog roast, Indian food, soup and food outlets galore.

There will also be stalls showcasing local traders and a fresh meat van.

Music will play a part in the evening festivities with the Southampton Choir and the Salvation Army band getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. The celebrations begin in Victoria Road at 5pm.