DESPITE the hot weather, Malvern Town Council is already looking ahead to the winter and planning the Christmas festivities.

Friday, December 1, is the date for the switch-on, with extra festive events planned for the following day.

The two days of Christmas events will include fireworks in Priory Park, a Christmas fair with stalls and fairground rides in the town centre, a lantern parade for children, a Christmas grotto and street entertainment from local bands and choirs.

The cost of putting up, testing and dismantling the Christmas lights is estimated at £13,550. The council also plans to spend £3,190 on new lights.

The council will apply for an Awards for All grant from the National Lottery for the Christmas event.