IT IS that time of the year again, when Romsey starts its countdown to Christmas.

The festive season will get into full swing with the Romsey Winter Carnival and the Christmas lights switch-on on November 24, before a series of the events will take place in the town in the run up to Christmas.

The carnival procession on November 24 will start from the Crossfield Hall car park at 6.15pm.

It will go through Broadwater Road, Palmerston Street and The Hundred and will stand by Boots to await the lights switch-on at 6.30pm.

The procession will then move through the Market Place.

On the day, the Crosfield Hall car park will close at 4pm and will reopen at 8pm.

Meanwhile, a lantern parade will take place on December 7 when The Hundred between Palmerston Street and the Market Place, as well as Market Place, Church Place, Church Street, The Cornmarket, Latimer Street and Bell Street will all close from 4pm to 8pm.

The popular Carols in the Market Place organised by the Romsey Rotary Club will then take place on December 17 at 7pm.

Bell Street, Market Place, The Hundred between Market Place and Latimer Street and Church Street will be closed from 6pm to 9pm.

Meanwhile, the Romsey Pre 1976 Car and Bike Meet

will take place in the town centre on Boxing Day from 9am to 1pm.

Aldi car park, Crosfield Hall and Bus Station car parks will be closed throughout the morning.

Town centre manager Mark Edgerley said: "The busy market town of Romsey really comes alive during the Christmas season with lots of community events and the four major town centre events. All the main events offer free entry and can be enjoyed by all the family, join us for a special run up to Christmas. We hope you enjoy everything that is going on and in particular ask drivers to respect the guidance given by our road marshals who are all volunteers who turn out whatever the weather to ensure the safe operation of our road closures.”