Details of the arrival of Christmas in  Whaley Bridge have been announced.  The lights and  Christmas tree will be switched  on early in the  evening of Friday 26 November. Almost every town centre business has its own flashing tree, turning Market Street into a tunnel of lights.

Santa Claus arrives at the 2009 event. Picture: The Review

The evening starts at 6pm, with Santa Claus arriving as usual – not by reindeer-pulled sleigh, but even more magical canal boat.  Children by the hundred will be at the Canal basin.  They will follow the float carrying Santa Claus and Whaley Carnival ‘royalty’ to Footsteps  in the middle of Whaley Bridge.

Big crowds always welcome Santa. From a previous year

By then this community cafe and book shop will be transformed magically into Santa’s grotto. Children who have waited excitedly in the queue with mums and dads will be rewarded with a gift and a word from Santa.

Santa Claus gives a big wave to Whaley. From a previous year

Then at 7pm, the main event: town council chairman John Swift will switch on the Christmas tree lights in the corner of the Jodrell Arms car park.  Whaley Bridge’s young, but excellent, brass band will play as carols are sung.  Christmas will really be here.

Meanwhile, the crowds will find plenty still to do.  Whaley Bridge’s own morris team,  Powderkegs,. will be dancing in the street, in their outfits which are almost as colourful as the Christmas lights. Meanwhile In the Mechanics’ Institute, there’s a Christmas market, with the chance of finding ‘that’ gift, and  refreshments to take the sting out of shopping.

Whaley's dance team Powderkegs from last year's event

• Furness Vale’s Christmas tree, near the Soldier Dick, will be switched  

on at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30 November.  Afterwards coffee and mince pies will be served at the Community Centre, with carols accompanied by the Goyt Valley brass band.

• Whaley Hall holds a candle-lit Advent carol service, including the

blessing of the Jesse tree, at 7.30pm on Friday 10 December.  There will be music by the Whaley Oratory Choir, directed by Simon Mercer. Mince pies and mulled wine to follow