CHRISTMAS lights will be switched on in three county towns in this weekend, meaning some road closures will be in place.
Crowds will gather in Ledbury, Bromyard and Ross-on-Wye as the festivities begin.
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In Ledbury, the switch on attracts crowds of up to 2,000 people, according to police estimates.
There will be free parking in the town today (Saturday), with various groups and choirs providing entertainment.
The Market House will be the centre of the entertainment, Ledbury Town Council said.
A council spokesperson said: “With the evenings becoming darker, Ledbury Town Council are excited for the upcoming Christmas lights switch-on event.
PART OF Church Street in #Ledbury will be closed between 8am and 7pm on Saturday November 23 for a Christmas lights event. Please see map for further information. @HfdsCouncil pic.twitter.com/9dGfsDhXM8
— HerefordHighways (@HfdsStreets) November 19, 2019
“The events will kick off at the Masters House between 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm with Sara-Jane Arbury and Jeanette McCulloch from Red Earth Arts.
"They will be holding free drop-in session creating fun and funky Christmas decorations made from recycled materials.”
The spokeswoman added: “Santa Clause will be in our council offices between 2.30pm to 3.30pm and from 4pm to 5pm where each child will receive a gift bag full of festive treats. The entry fee will be £1 per child.
“The fun will continue in our Panelled Room from 2.30pm to 5pm for free festive makes and crafts including face painting, balloon modelling and a DIY Hot Chocolate Santa/reindeer cone ready to enjoy at home.”
A whole range of entertainment has been organised, with a focus on the Market House.
At 3pm, the Ledbury Dance Company Showcase will take place, and at 3.45pm, the Dance 365 Showcase will happen.
Festive music will fill the air at 4,30pm, with performances from Ledbury Community Brass Band and Ledbury Community Choir and school choirs.
The switch on itself will be at 5.15pm, with Church Street closed between 8am and 7pm.
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The spokesperson added: “Santa Claus will be in our council offices between 2.30pm to 3.30pm and from 4pm to 5pm where each child will receive a gift bag full of festive treats.
"The entry fee will be £1 per child.”
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Also today (Saturday), the Square in Bromyard will be closed from 8am to 7pm and Broad Street and High Street between noon and 7pm for the switch-on.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, #Bromyard - The Square will be closed on Sat Nov 23 between 8am and 7pm and Broad St and High St between midday and 7pm for the the switch on. Please see map. pic.twitter.com/nivxAQSUBR
— HerefordHighways (@HfdsStreets) November 18, 2019
There will be a Christmas street market in the town for the first time and a lantern parade as local schools, youth clubs and families join a parade.
In the town centre there will be a hot chestnuts seller, seasonal foods and Christmas goods.
Christmas lights committee member David Grant said: "It's the culmination of six long Sundays by the Bromyard Light Brigade, who were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Services back in 2011.
"They work from dawn until dusk erecting an amazing array of lights, many of which are unique to Bromyard. New pieces are designed and built by the team through the year in preparation."
Both town council car parks will be free of charge, but check signage for details.
The switch on takes place at 5pm, with local businessman Brian Johnson flicking the switch.
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In Ross-on-Wye tomorrow (Sunday) there will be stalls on High Street & St Marys Street between 11am and 5pm, with the roads closed from 6am to 7pm.
HIGH Street and St Mary's Street in #RossonWye will be closed between 6am and 7pm on Sunday November 24 for a Christmas Fayre. Alternative route is via Broad St, Kyrle Street and Edde Cross Street. See map. pic.twitter.com/7JJqFwF5HX
— HerefordHighways (@HfdsStreets) November 19, 2019
The Christmas market will be followed by the light switch on at the Market House at 4.30pm.
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