WITH just over two weeks to go before Harpenden’s Christmas Carnival and lights switch-on, the final details are being put into place.

The carnival, which attracted 10,000 visitors last year, will take place between midday and 6pm on Sunday, November 28, with the Christmas lights being switched on at 5pm.

This year will see one of the biggest processions ever with over 22 groups participating alongside Father Christmas in his sleigh from 3pm.

The line up includes several Brownie packs, Harpenden Air Training Corps, Revelation Majorettes, Harpenden Army Cadet Corps, Harpenden Pipe Band, Blue Angel Majorettes and representatives from other charities.

Santa will be available in his grotto opposite Cafe Gusto in the garden of Thompson’s Close from 12.30 to 5.30pm. There will also be a farmers market and charity and young enterprise stalls running all day.

Entertainment on the stage in Church Green will be provided by local community groups and schools, hosted by Heart DJs. Special guest appearances from Natalie and Stuart from Heart Breakfast will take place from 4pm.

The identity of the person who will switch on the Christmas lights still has to be revealed but he or she will be joined by the winner of Harpenden town’s poster competition, a pupil at The Grove School. The two Heart Breakfast presenters and town mayor, Daniel Chichester-Miles, will also be on stage. The Mayor said: “It is a true family event, culminating in the switch on of the Christmas lights.”