BLING your jumper up and put the date on your diary.

After the success of the Christmas lights switch-on in Eastleigh last year, organisers have released the date of this year’s event.

The Christmas countdown will kick off on November 18 with a host of activities set to take place in the town centre form 11am and culminating with dazzling fireworks to start off the festive season with a bang.

Residents will have the opportunity to enjoy a fun fair and a variety of market stalls on Leigh Road from 11am.

Meanwhile youngsters will have the chance to have fun at the mobile farm at Wells Place and visit Santa in his Grotto at the Eastleigh Museum.

Other activities including live music and face painting will entertain residents until the light parade led by Father Christmas will start at 5.15pm.

Santa will then join Eastleigh deputy mayor, councillor Chris Thomas to switch on the yuletide lights at 6pm and a firework display will follow.

The Sorting Office Open Studios on High Street will also be open throughout the day to give local artists a chance to showcase and sell their works and inspire residents for their Christmas shopping.

The youngest will also have the opportunity to send a letter directly to Santa as a post box for Christmas letters will be placed at the Swan Centre.

The new festive lights display, inspired by snowflakes and stars, was unveiled last year and the council said that feedback from town centre shoppers and visitors has been excellent.

The lights are co-funded by the Eastleigh Borough Council and the Eastleigh Business Improvement District (BID) and aim to make the town centre an even more attractive place to shop in the run-up to the big day, benefitting local retailers, restaurants and other businesses.

Steve Sollitt, borough councillor for Eastleigh South ward, is now encouraging residents to put the date on their diaries and take part in the event.

He said: “ It’s one of the biggest event that we have during the year.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to come out and enjoy themselves but it’s also good for the town. It also does help the local economy. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a good event to bring the community together.”