ROMSEY will be turned into a winter wonderland today when the town’s countdown to Christmas begins in earnest.

Romsey’s mayor Dorothy Baverstock will set the town ablaze with strings of eye-catching Christmas lights dazzling in the darkness across the town at 6.15pm.

These include the lights on the Christmas tree in the market place. Romsey’s lights have been paid for by town council with help from Romsey Extra Parish Council, Romsey Chamber of Commerce, other local authorities, donations from local businesses and residents.

Before the lights go, Romsey’s annual winter carnival parade will take to the streets.

The procession of floats and pedestrian exhibits led by the carnival queen Naomi Reading is due to leave the Crosfield Hall at 6pm and then make its way through town centre streets to the market place via Broadwater Road, Palmerston Street and the Hundred.

After the lights are turned on the parade will return to the Crosfield Hall via Bell Street and Broadwater Road. Motorist are being advised to avoid the town centre while the carnival in being staged. Some roads will be closed during the event.

Romsey Carnival committee spokesman Peter Lomer said the event should get everyone in festive mood.

“We have some new entries this year along with regular supporters in the carnival procession. I am hoping to eclipse last year’s total entries when we had 21 competitors," he said.

"It’s looking very promising at the moment.The committee would like to thank David Wilson Homes for sponsoring the carnival and Romsey Round Table for the use of their sleigh. The senior carnival queen Lizzie Dutfield will be travelling on the sleigh during the procession.”

Mr Lomer added that the carnival queen Naomi Reading and the three carnival princesses Stephanie and Mia Marchant along with Caitlyn Little will walk the procession’s route.

Carnival entries will be judged by Romsey fire station boss Antony Hurle and the two carnival queens. The best overall exhibit will receive the Len Fry Challenge Cup.

Romsey’s late night Christmas shopping evening is on Friday December 4 when around 1,000 people will take part in a colourful lantern parade through the town centre. More than 300 lanterns will be paraded through the streets at 5.30pm and carollers will also be spreading the Christmas message at the event along with bands and choirs.

During the late night shopping event which starts at 5pm, Father Christmas is due to arrive in the town and word has it that he is likely to need specialist help from firefighters because he is likely to get stuck in an awkward position making a dramatic entrance on his way to his grotto.

Shops will remain open until 8pm and there will be food stalls and entertainment through the streets. Romsey Rotary Club has arranged a Christmas Carol service in the market place on Monday, December 21 at 6.45pm.