CHRISTMAS in Fordingbridge is looking to be a star attraction this year with an afternoon of activities for all the family including steam rides across the bridge, a Santa procession and Harry Redknapp switching on the Christmas lights.

The event, which will take place from 4-8pm on Saturday November 30, is being organised, run and funded by Fordingbridge Events Group on behalf of Fordingbridge Town Council.

Christmas in Fordingbridge will kick off at 4pm with a procession of Trigger the Train and the elves on heavy horse delivering Santa from the post office to his grotto at Avonway Community Centre, which will be open from 4.30pm to 8pm with free entry.

Nicky Jenkins, Chair of Fordingbridge Events Group, says: “I would like to thank all of the committee, volunteers, sponsors of the Fordingbridge festival and the following businesses who have helped shaped our event this year – it’s looking very sparkly indeed!”

Later in the evening from 7.20pm, the town’s Xmas lights will be switched on by Harry Redknapp, who will share some information on why Fordingbridge has a place in his heart.

Activities in town throughout the evening include street performers, live music as well as steam rides across the bridge, as well as a clothes swap and book signing at Fordingbridge Library and All the Cool Stuff’s Star Wars event at the Town Hall.

There will also be performances from Alis Eaton, Kez Hinton, Bring It On Home band, Hyde Band, Shake Dance, Sandy Balls puppet show and Forres Sandle Manor choir.

The High Street, and the roads leading off from it, will be closed from 3.30pm to 8pm on the day of the event.

Christmas in Fordingbridge has been supported by: Alfa Display and Design, Caxtons, Cracknell Timber, Fordingbridge Town Council, Rotary, Padua Communications, Crownshade, DK Sanders Electrical Services, Girlings, Created By You, The Gourmet Grocer, Timothy’s, Hearts at Homecare, La Lambretta, RNC Fabrications, Elliotts, The Burgate School, Forres Sandle Manor and Fordingbridge Sports Club, Fordingbridge Salvation Army, Fordingbridge Library and Café 100.

As well as the town car parks (which will be free after 6pm), there will be additional free parking at Fordingbridge Sports club, Forres Sandle Manor (FSM) and The Burgate School. There will be free shuttle buses running from The Burgate School and FSM.