THE countdown to Christmas begins in style in Eastleigh this month.

On Saturday, November 17, the town centre will launch the countdown with spectacular lights, family fun and fireworks.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fun Day will include the popular torchlit parade from 5.15pm to the main shopping centre and a firework display to start the festive season with a bang.

The free family day out, that runs from 11am, features Santa’s Grotto, street entertainment, live music, and even a mini-farm for the children.

Cllr Paul Bicknell, chairman of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, said: “Our grand Switch-On and Fun Day is a major highlight in the region’s pre-Christmas events calendar and is a great way to kick off the season.

“We work hard to create a really entertaining day out that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It gives us the chance to demonstrate how Eastleigh is a really great place to do your Christmas shopping.”

The light parade, featuring the Romsey Old Cadets and Ocean Brass begins at 5.15pm - with the switch-on of the lights, which are inspired by snowflakes and stars, at 6pm from the bandstand in the Leigh Road Recreation Ground.

This year’s firework display is themed on the iconic aircraft, the Spitfire, that was built locally and flew from Eastleigh’s aerodrome.

The event and lights are co-organised and funded by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee and the Eastleigh Business Improvement District (BID).